unstable

adjective

un·​sta·​ble ˌən-ˈstā-bəl 

: not stable : not firm or fixed : not constant: such as

a

: not steady in action or movement : irregular

an unstable pulse

b

: wavering in purpose or intent : vacillating

c

: lacking steadiness : apt to move, sway, or fall

an unstable tower

d(1)

: liable to change or alteration

an unstable economy

unstable weather

(2)

: readily changing (as by decomposing) in chemical or physical composition or in biological activity

e

: characterized by lack of emotional control

unstableness noun

unstably

ˌən-ˈstā-b(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• unbalanced
• unsteady

Choose the Right Synonym for unstable

inconstant, fickle, capricious, mercurial, unstable mean lacking firmness or steadiness (as in purpose or devotion).

inconstant implies an incapacity for steadiness and an inherent tendency to change.

an inconstant friend

fickle suggests unreliability because of perverse changeability and incapacity for steadfastness.

performers discover how fickle fans can be

capricious suggests motivation by sudden whim or fancy and stresses unpredictability.

an utterly capricious critic

mercurial implies a rapid changeability in mood.

made anxious by her boss's mercurial temperament

unstable implies an incapacity for remaining in a fixed position or steady course and applies especially to a lack of emotional balance.

too unstable to hold a job

Examples of unstable in a Sentence

an unstable nuclear reactor core

the minute we put the books down on the unstable desk, the whole stack went crashing to the floor

Recent Examples on the Web

Shoes for Deep Snow With protective booties that seal out moisture and major traction that grips even in unstable terrain, these shoes are ready for winter fun. —Lisa Jhung, Outside Online, 20 Dec. 2024

For businesses, relying on open-source components without proper vetting is like building a house on unstable foundations. —Steve Wilson, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

Many Ukrainian women have felt a deep sense of patriotism and duty to jumpstart the economy, while salon patrons get their hair cut and nails done to take control—and find normalcy—in an unstable time. —Longreads, 18 Dec. 2024

But McConnell warned that shifting focus and resources away from the war in Ukraine, allies in Europe and the unstable situation in the Middle East would only strengthen China. —Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing unstable

• unstable angina

Kids Definition

unstable

adjective

un·​sta·​ble ˌən-ˈstā-bəl 

ˈən-

1

: not stable : not firm or fixed : fluctuating

unstable prices

an unstable tower

unstable weather

2

: readily changing in chemical composition or physical state or properties (as by breaking down into parts)

an unstable atomic nucleus

Medical Definition

unstable

adjective

un·​sta·​ble -ˈstā-bəl 

: not stable: as

a

: characterized by frequent or unpredictable changes

a patient in unstable condition

b

: readily changing (as by decomposing) in chemical composition or biological activity

unstable compounds

c

: characterized by lack of emotional control or stability