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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
The move has raised alarm during a period of potential instability as Syria navigates its transition away from 53 years of Assad rule.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 11 Dec. 2024
President Joe Biden vowed to support the region amid a moment of instability.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN, 9 Dec. 2024
Geopolitical instability can significantly affect value chains and could jeopardize the viability of key suppliers, many of which are small and mid-sized enterprises in emerging markets, which may have invested less in their resilience.
—Chloe Demrovsky, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
The pace of events has stunned Arab capitals and raised fears of regional instability.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for instability
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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
Dictionary Entries Near instability
Cite this Entry
“Instability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instability. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.
Kids 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
More from Merriam-Webster on instability
Nglish: Translation of instability for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of instability for Arabic Speakers
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