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

The grim instability of shelter life is hardly a recipe for success under the best of circumstances.

From The Daily Beast

Sudan has been plagued by years of political instability, which has prevented tourism from gaining traction.

From The Daily Beast

Paul will argue that such military force does little to combat the issues at the heart of instability.

From The Daily Beast

This conquest has brought instability to unexpected parts of the region.

From The Daily Beast

The elections brought instead of stability, instability to Afghanistan,” said this official, “and it will never end.

From The Daily Beast

The recognition did not lessen the reality, the poignancy of the revelation by any suggestion or promise of instability.

From Project Gutenberg

But his record shows grievous instability, and Robert probably had sound reasons for putting a period to his dubieties.

From Project Gutenberg

Hence their moral instability can not be associated with physiological instability in the absolute sense.

From Project Gutenberg

The instability of ammonium hydroxide is used as a means for detecting ammonium-ion in its salts.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a servile hump to his shoulders; a deprecating instability in his glance greeted the boy.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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