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
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
The duo, who started off as Hollywood actresses seen in films like Tyler Perry’s Duplicity and Lifetime’s The Wrong Cheerleader, share the joy of their ministry journey, which included bouts of mental instability and self-images issues.
—
Anaja I. Smith, HollywoodReporter, 7 July 2025
This week's snowfall was triggered by unusual atmospheric instability affecting northern Chile.
—María De Los Ángeles Orfila, Space.com, 5 July 2025
The world's youngest country, South Sudan remains plagued by violence and political instability, with the State Department warning Americans not to travel there.
—Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 3 July 2025
However, even if storms bypass Middle Tennessee, the area will still have plenty of instability and moisture, which could lead to additional thunderstorms through the afternoon and evening hours.
—Kirsten Fiscus, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for instability
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Anaja I. Smith, HollywoodReporter, 7 July 2025
This week's snowfall was triggered by unusual atmospheric instability affecting northern Chile.
—María De Los Ángeles Orfila, Space.com, 5 July 2025
The world's youngest country, South Sudan remains plagued by violence and political instability, with the State Department warning Americans not to travel there.
—Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 3 July 2025
However, even if storms bypass Middle Tennessee, the area will still have plenty of instability and moisture, which could lead to additional thunderstorms through the afternoon and evening hours.
—Kirsten Fiscus, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for instability
Cite this Entry
“Instability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instability. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.
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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