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.

Developing a robust offshore wind industry provides resilience in the face of an unstable global energy market.

From Salon • May 9, 2026

In April, a record 35 candidates ran for president of the chronically unstable Andean nation, which has burned through eight presidents in the past decade, four of whom were impeached.

From Barron's • May 8, 2026

From above, the atmosphere revealed just how unstable conditions had become, with striking cloud formations spreading over the nearby ocean.

From Science Daily • May 6, 2026

She expects an unstable climate to usher in an age of private weather control.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

In Kinvara, poor as we were, and unstable, we at least had family nearby, people who knew us.

From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline

Vocabulary lists containing unstable

100 SAT Words Beginning with "U"

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Engineering - Introductory

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Civil Engineering

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!