instability

[in-stuh-bil-i-tee] / ˌɪn stəˈbɪl ɪ ti /

NOUN

imbalance, inconstancy

Synonyms

STRONGEST

anxiety fluctuation insecurity uncertainty volatility vulnerability weakness

STRONG

alternation capriciousness changeability changeableness disequilibrium disquiet fickleness fitfulness flightiness fluidity frailty hesitation immaturity impermanence inconsistency inquietude irregularity irresolution mutability oscillation pliancy precariousness restlessness shakiness transience unpredictability unreliability unsteadiness vacillation variability wavering

WEAK

unfixedness

Antonyms

STRONG

calm

WEAK

balance constancy soundness stability steadfastness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Prolonged instability begins altering behavior across the economy.

From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026

"Some progress will certainly be made," she said, noting that she hopes China and the United States can ensure "lasting peace" despite "recent instability in the global situation".

From Barron's • May 12, 2026

Amid global crises, economic instability, and the threat of climate change, many young people are feeling increasingly despondent.

From Slate • May 12, 2026

Xi also wants the conflict to end, as instability in the Middle East threatens China’s oil supplies and weakens demand for Chinese exports.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

The priest told Farmer stories of the dam, about the chaos and instability it had created almost overnight.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

Vocabulary lists containing instability

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