instability

noun

in·​sta·​bil·​i·​ty ˌin(t)-stə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce instability (audio)
: the quality or state of being unstable
especially : lack of emotional or mental stability

Examples of instability in a Sentence

Investors are worried about the current instability of the stock market. The patient has a history of emotional instability.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Amid the economic instability and mass layoffs in the country, the American workforce is fed up with worrying on a daily basis about losing their jobs. Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025 With the current economic and global instability continuing to rock industries across the United States, the hospitality sector’s customer expectations have also evolved. Xandra Harbet, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025 Projects like this also can contribute to improving early warning efforts and reduce the risks of violence and instability. Ernesto Verdeja, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2025 The appointment came after a heated and divided vote late last week by the City Council to oust Ben Martinez, following mounting complaints about low staff morale, poor fiscal management and overall instability at City Hall. Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for instability

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of instability was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Instability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instability. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

instability

noun
in·​sta·​bil·​i·​ty ˌin(t)-stə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce instability (audio)
: the quality or state of being unstable

Medical Definition

instability

noun
in·​sta·​bil·​i·​ty ˌin(t)-stə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce instability (audio)
plural instabilities
: the quality or state of being unstable
especially : lack of emotional or mental stability

More from Merriam-Webster on instability

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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