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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.

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

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

Excessive power and instability go hand in hand.

From The Wall Street Journal • 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

United Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella said the company is ready to face instability.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2026

This brought on a downward spiral of mental instability.

From "Lincoln's Last Days: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever" by Bill O'Reilly

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.