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.

"Overall I can see a decrease in the flow of clients due to the unstable financial situation," she told AFP.

From Barron's • Jun. 30, 2026

“The only way to guarantee that there will not be bubbles is to have an unstable, highly inflationary monetary policy,” Greenspan said in a 2013 interview with a Fed staffer.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 22, 2026

A Tasmanian devil named Mary has been found in an "unstable condition" more than two weeks after escaping her enclosure, an Australian wildlife park said Wednesday.

From Barron's • Jun. 17, 2026

But even the simplest moves were noticeably harder on an unstable surface.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 15, 2026

“Maybe I’ve made it my business. Maybe I think you’re unstable and the best thing would be for you to back away from Immie and get some help for your mental problems.”

From "Genuine Fraud" by E. Lockhart

Vocabulary lists containing unstable

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Engineering - Introductory

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