instability
noun
in·sta·bil·i·ty
ˌin(t)-stə-ˈbi-lə-tē 
: the quality or state of being unstable
especially
: lack of emotional or mental stability
Synonyms
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
Then, to add insult to injury, Covid-19 occurred and exacerbated the financial instability of many startups, highlighting vulnerabilities in their business models.
—
Sergii Starostin, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024
To form the clouds needed to make tropical storms, the environment needs the instability that comes from a layer of warm air at the surface topped by a layer of cooler air above.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 5 Sep. 2024
The instability this imposes on investment markets was visible Tuesday, when Nvidia’s downdraft helped to bring the Nasdaq composite index down by more than 577 points, or 3.26%.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2024
There’s cautious optimism that the country will change under new leadership, but some remain wary, as instability pervades every sector of society.
—Rebecca Wright, CNN, 3 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for instability 
Sergii Starostin, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024
To form the clouds needed to make tropical storms, the environment needs the instability that comes from a layer of warm air at the surface topped by a layer of cooler air above.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 5 Sep. 2024
The instability this imposes on investment markets was visible Tuesday, when Nvidia’s downdraft helped to bring the Nasdaq composite index down by more than 577 points, or 3.26%.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2024
There’s cautious optimism that the country will change under new leadership, but some remain wary, as instability pervades every sector of society.
—Rebecca Wright, CNN, 3 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for instability
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'instability.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near instability
Cite this Entry
“Instability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instability. Accessed 20 Sep. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
instability
noun
in·sta·bil·i·ty
ˌin(t)-stə-ˈbil-ət-ē
: the quality or state of being unstable
Medical Definition
instability
noun
in·sta·bil·i·ty
ˌin(t)-stə-ˈbil-ət-ē
plural instabilities
: the quality or state of being unstable
especially
: lack of emotional or mental stability
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