as in unsteadiness
the quality or state of not being firmly fixed in position
the instability of the bridge became tragically apparent when it suddenly collapsed
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of instability
Sánchez and his allies argue that Peru’s instability cannot be separated from Keiko Fujimori’s own political conduct.
—
Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 16 June 2026
From naturally occurring outbreaks to the growing risks posed by geopolitical instability, biological weapons, or lab accidents, and other threats from state and non-state actors, the nation’s preparedness infrastructure must remain vigilant and ready.
—W. Craig Vanderwagen, STAT, 16 June 2026
The instability of the water shined a light on areas of my body that were weaker than others.
—Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
The ultimate test, of course, is whether signing a memorandum can translate to a durable peace before domestic politics or regional instability scupper its chances.
—Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for instability
Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 16 June 2026
From naturally occurring outbreaks to the growing risks posed by geopolitical instability, biological weapons, or lab accidents, and other threats from state and non-state actors, the nation’s preparedness infrastructure must remain vigilant and ready.
—W. Craig Vanderwagen, STAT, 16 June 2026
The instability of the water shined a light on areas of my body that were weaker than others.
—Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
The ultimate test, of course, is whether signing a memorandum can translate to a durable peace before domestic politics or regional instability scupper its chances.
—Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for instability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instability
Noun
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Unlike dizziness — which causes lightheadedness or unsteadiness — vertigo feels more like spinning.—
Lindsey Bever,
Washington Post,
27 May 2026
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Those dates were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and later canceled following Dion's 2022 diagnosis of stiff-person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that includes rigidity and stiffness of certain areas of the body, causing unsteadiness, slower movements and difficulties walking.—
Shafiq Najib,
ABC News,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The shift isn’t merely spatial but symbolic, representing what Yeon sees as the precariousness of human civilization itself.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
16 May 2026
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But the Damascene realization regarding the precariousness of American manufacturing that followed spurred a flurry of activity in Washington—as well as among nations that balked at an authoritarian superpower effectively having a permanent kill switch over their industrial output.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Contact tracing remains an issue due to the area’s remoteness and ongoing insecurity in Ituri province, Mankoula said.—
Wilson Mcmakin,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
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This mutual insecurity, thriving as underdogs and constantly seeking slights, drives their competitive spirit.—
Ian Nicholas Quillen,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Instability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instability. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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