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.

Nguyen’s research suggested marital instability is yet another hidden cost of eldercare.

From MarketWatch • May 21, 2026

Moreover, political instability could dislocate the supply chains for minerals on which Carpenter’s operations depend.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

And it will be concerned about any instability in such a big neighbour.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

Meanwhile, another group gathered outside the Capitol for a news conference to raise awareness about the instability caused by federal healthcare cuts.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

Tokyo stands on the boundary of three tectonic plates in a country already well known for its seismic instability.

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson

Vocabulary lists containing instability

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