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.

In quantum systems, that instability is known as "noise."

From Science Daily • Apr. 6, 2026

The moment sparked a broader conversation about the realities of working actors’ lives, and the instability that often comes with careers in entertainment.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

Excessive power and instability go hand in hand.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

"I worry that we are in for a prolonged period of instability and uncertainty," said Brownstein, "that has important follow-on effects."

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

How Barack and I comported ourselves in the face of instability mattered.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

instability

Example Sentences

Related Words