instability

[in-stuh-bil-i-tee]

noun

1. the quality or state of being unstable; lack of stability or firmness.

2. the tendency to behave in an unpredictable, changeable, or erratic manner.

   emotional instability.

instability

/ ˌɪnstəˈbɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. lack of stability or steadiness

2. tendency to variable or unpredictable behaviour

3. physics a fast growing disturbance or wave in a plasma

Word History and Origins

Origin of instability¹

1375–1425; late Middle English instabilite < Latin instabilitās. See in- ³, stability

Example Sentences

“And while the long-term impact may be limited, a sudden tightening could trigger near-term market instability,” she added.

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Meanwhile, almost four in 10 people will face financial instability as they age, according to the World Economic Forum.

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These workers are turning to gig jobs—such as driving for Lyft or taking care of pets on Rover—to stay afloat until their paychecks resume, a reflection of increasing job instability for government employees.

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“It is very hard to get financial instability out of an equity market correction alone,” Posen told reporters at a briefing on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank annual meeting.

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International pressure has mounted for an end to hostilities amid worsening humanitarian conditions and regional instability.

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Related Words

• anxiety 
• fluctuation 
• insecurity 
• uncertainty 
• volatility 
• vulnerability 
• weakness