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unstable
[ uhn-stey-buhl ]
/ ʌnˈsteɪ bəl /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
adjective
not stable; not firm or firmly fixed; unsteady.
liable to fall or sway.
unsteadfast; inconstant; wavering: unstable convictions.
marked by emotional instability: an unstable person.
irregular in movement: an unstable heartbeat.
Chemistry. noting compounds that readily decompose or change into other compounds.
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synonym study for unstable
2, 3. See unsettled.
OTHER WORDS FROM unstable
un·sta·ble·ness, nounun·sta·bly, adverbWords nearby unstable
unspoiled, unspoken, unsporting, unsportsmanlike, unspotted, unstable, unstable angina, unstainable, unstained, unstalked, unstarry
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use unstable in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for unstable
unstable
/ (ʌnˈsteɪbəl) /
adjective
lacking stability, fixity, or firmness
disposed to temperamental, emotional, or psychological variability
(of a chemical compound) readily decomposing
physics
- (of an elementary particle) having a very short lifetime
- spontaneously decomposing by nuclear decay; radioactivean unstable nuclide
electronics (of an electrical circuit, mechanical body, etc) having a tendency to self-oscillation
Derived forms of unstable
unstableness, noununstably, adverbCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for unstable
unstable
[ ŭn-stā′bəl ]
Liable to undergo spontaneous decay into some other form. For example, the nucleus of uranium 238 atom is unstable and changes by radioactive decay into the nucleus of thorium 234, a lighter element. Many subatomic particles, such as muons and neutrons, are unstable and decay quickly into other particles. See more at decay.
Relating to a chemical compound that readily decomposes or changes into other compounds or into elements.
Relating to an atom or chemical element that is likely to share electrons; reactive.
Characterized by uncertain or inadequate response to treatment and the potential for unfavorable outcome, as the status of a medical condition or disease.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.