unstable

[uhn-stey-buhl] / ʌnˈsteɪ bəl /

ADJECTIVE

doubtful

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ambiguous changeable erratic fickle insecure irrational precarious risky rocky sensitive shaky slippery ticklish tricky uncertain unpredictable unsettled unsteady volatile weak wobbly

WEAK

borderline capricious dizzy dubious fitful fluctuating giddy inconsistent inconstant lubricious mercurial mobile movable moving mutable not fixed rickety shifty suspect teetering temperamental untrustworthy vacillating variable wavering weaving wiggly

Antonyms

STRONGEST

certain clear confident constant definite dependable easy firm guarded happy predictable protected reliable safe secure sound stable steady strong sure unchanging unshaky

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.

Maybe she’s concerned that he could become financially unstable and a burden to her if he gives away too much.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

While the idea was influential, it remained unproven because carbenes were known to be too unstable, especially in water, to capture or study.

From Science Daily • Apr. 11, 2026

Researchers found that Latino students faced myriad challenges, including immigration issues, English proficiency and unstable housing that is linked to their parents’ employment status.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

But Franziska Brantner from Germany's opposition Green Party said returning to Syria was not an option for many, because of the lack of infrastructure and the unstable security situation there.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

She told me she had been watching the news, and that things in Zimbabwe were unstable.

From "I Will Always Write Back" by Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin Ganda

Vocabulary lists containing unstable

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