Definitions

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.

Polls opened in Peru's presidential runoff Sunday, with crime and political instability dominating a race to choose the country's ninth leader in a decade.

From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026

It said defence contractors were raising prices because of global instability, meaning delays to procurement could end up costing more.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 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

I think Americans don’t really understand the fragility of the food system, the amount of work that goes into it or the geopolitical instability.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 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

Southeast Asia - Middle School

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Southeast Asia - High School

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Second Democratic Debate 20 words

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