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.

Nguyen’s research suggested marital instability is yet another hidden cost of eldercare.

From MarketWatch • May 21, 2026

Some enterprising Cubans with access to U.S. dollars are making a living during the instability.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

These include banks "whose balance sheets are largely based on public debt", bringing a risk of instability in the banking system, he added.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

On Wednesday, Reeves said said decisions taken in the Budget last year had "kept inflation down as we deal with global instability".

From BBC • May 20, 2026

I spent that weekend in a slushy mix of anxiety about the country’s instability and delight at watching Otto fill out into a handsome young bonobo.

From "Endangered" by Eliot Schrefer

Vocabulary lists containing instability

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