instability
noun
in·sta·bil·i·ty
ˌin(t)-stə-ˈbi-lə-tē 
: the quality or state of being unstable
especially
: lack of emotional or mental stability
Synonyms
Examples of instability in a Sentence
Investors are worried about the current instability of the stock market.
The patient has a history of emotional instability.
Recent Examples on the Web
The orders also argue that U.S. foreign assistance has contributed to global instability rather than peace.
—
Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
So safe, in fact, that an entire generation of Americans has come of age without knowing the feeling of sorrow and instability that such disasters always bring.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025
But in the short to medium term, Trump’s mass-deportation plans are a recipe for instability.
—Will Freeman, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2025
Over the past two years, that trend seemingly came to an end amid high interest rates and geopolitical and economic instability.
—Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for instability 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
So safe, in fact, that an entire generation of Americans has come of age without knowing the feeling of sorrow and instability that such disasters always bring.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025
But in the short to medium term, Trump’s mass-deportation plans are a recipe for instability.
—Will Freeman, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2025
Over the past two years, that trend seemingly came to an end amid high interest rates and geopolitical and economic instability.
—Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for instability
Dictionary Entries Near instability
Cite this Entry
“Instability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instability. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
instability
noun
in·sta·bil·i·ty
ˌin(t)-stə-ˈbil-ət-ē
: the quality or state of being unstable
Medical Definition
instability
noun
in·sta·bil·i·ty
ˌin(t)-stə-ˈbil-ət-ē
plural instabilities
: the quality or state of being unstable
especially
: lack of emotional or mental stability
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share