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.

Warren Buffett’s mentor Benjamin Graham used the parable of a business owner with an emotionally unstable partner, “Mr. Market.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Communications had become very unstable in the city right from the beginning of the war because of the fighting, and because of a fuel shortage that cut the power.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

They were more resistant to drying out, which would have been crucial in the dry and unstable climate following the mass extinction.

From Science Daily • Apr. 14, 2026

Maybe she’s concerned that he could become financially unstable and a burden to her if he gives away too much.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

Nixon wanted to know how such an unstable character had gotten hold of McNamara’s study in the first place.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin

Vocabulary lists containing unstable

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Engineering - Introductory

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