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.

He said economic instability, rising energy prices and supply chain disruption caused by war were creating a difficult environment.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

Calbee blamed "supply instability for certain raw materials resulting from the escalating tensions in the Middle East".

From Barron's • May 12, 2026

Prolonged instability begins altering behavior across the economy.

From MarketWatch • 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

Blandly telling him that I kept my hair long to avoid confusion with American Air Force personnel proved my mental instability.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson

Vocabulary lists containing instability

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