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.

The moment sparked a broader conversation about the realities of working actors’ lives, and the instability that often comes with careers in entertainment.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

A geotechnical report prepared for the council warned of a "significant risk of slope instability" from Ffos-y-Fran, while campaigners said plans to keep the tips in place are "staggering".

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Quantum stocks were notoriously volatile long before the recent bout of market instability.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

Some of what has impacted the unimpressive growth of the addressable audience for home entertainment has been the instability of the market.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

Though the sea itself was a danger to him in the hard weather of the season, that danger and change and instability seemed to him a defense and chance.

From "A Wizard of Earthsea" by Ursula K. Le Guin

instability

Example Sentences

Related Words