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.

These are significantly higher than the rates among women earning lower six-figure salaries, suggesting instability at an early age can light a fire.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

Haitians became eligible for TPS in 2010 following a devastating earthquake, and the country continues to suffer from severe poverty, rampant violence from heavily armed gangs and chronic political instability.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

Drought in key regions may have sparked instability that rippled outward, creating a chain reaction across the entire civilization.

From Science Daily • Apr. 27, 2026

Roman Abramovich's "hire 'em, fire 'em" strategy inflicted instability on Chelsea, but was also the catalyst for great glory.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

Tokyo stands on the boundary of three tectonic plates in a country already well known for its seismic instability.

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson

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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