noun
Uncommon
instability
ihns-tuh-BIH-lih-tee
Instability (noun) means the quality of not being stable or steady; a tendency to change, wobble, or collapse. Example: “Political instability scared off foreign investors.”
noun
1
The quality of not being stable or steady; a tendency to change, wobble, or collapse.
"Political instability scared off foreign investors."
"The tower's instability was obvious the moment the ground began to shake."
"The instability of the old bridge worried the engineers who inspected it."
How to use instability
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA lack of steadiness — things (governments, structures, emotions, systems) that could easily tip or fall apart.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
political instability
emotional instability
financial instability
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Word forms
- Plural
- instabilities
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Political _____ scared off foreign investors.
Etymology
From Latin instabilitas, from in- ("not") + stability.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for instability
See all rhymes for instability →Frequently asked questions
What does “instability” mean?
The word “instability” means the quality of not being stable or steady; a tendency to change, wobble, or collapse. In plain terms, a lack of steadiness — things (governments, structures, emotions, systems) that could easily tip or fall apart.
How do you pronounce “instability”?
“Instability” is pronounced ihns-tuh-BIH-lih-tee (/ˌɪnstəˈbɪləti/ in IPA).
How do you use “instability” in a sentence?
Here is “instability” used in a sentence: “Political instability scared off foreign investors.”
What part of speech is “instability”?
“Instability” is a noun.
Where does the word “instability” come from?
The word “instability” comes from Latin. From Latin instabilitas, from in- ("not") + stability.
Is “instability” a common word?
“Instability” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between instability and volatility?
Instability describes a general quality of not being stable or steady, with a tendency to change, wobble, or collapse, while volatility more specifically emphasizes rapid, unpredictable fluctuation, often in markets, emotions, or chemical reactions. Something can be unstable without being especially volatile if its changes are slow rather than sudden.
How is instability used in political or economic contexts?</question>
In political or economic contexts, instability describes conditions likely to change or collapse, such as "political instability" or "financial instability," referring to a lack of steady, predictable governance or markets.
What is the opposite of instability?
The opposite of instability is stability, meaning steadiness and resistance to unwanted change or collapse.
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