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.

In fact for much of the show’s duration evidence of serious mental instability is hard to detect among the young women Susanna finds herself living with.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

Having a portfolio that is 100% in individual stocks sounds about as risky to me as you can get, especially at 73, with no partner for backup, and living in seemingly permanent economic instability.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

The price of gold -- a safe-haven asset in troubled times -- has hit a new era of record highs amid global instability.

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

ACI Europe wants any technical issues such as "instability of the central IT system and national interfaces" addressed, as well as border staffing levels.

From BBC • May 29, 2026

But he may also, to some extent, be a beneficiary of this ongoing instability.

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove

Vocabulary lists containing instability

Southeast Asia - Middle School

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Southeast Asia - High School

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