INSTABILITY Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

instability

noun

ˌin(t)-stə-ˈbi-lə-tē

Definition of instability

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of instability That, perhaps, the very qualities that create instability are also responsible for innovation, creativity, and success. — Rachel Docekal, STAT, 21 Aug. 2026 But with the Iran war both sucking away American resources and fomenting regional instability, conditions have allowed for a return of the notorious practice. — Aparajita Saxena, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026 None of the works address the recent bombardments directly, although the precarious context of ongoing threat, instability and struggle can be felt in almost all of them. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026 Compounding this economic instability is blatant domestic corruption defined by self-enrichment. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instability

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instability

Noun

Dogs may also experience unsteadiness or lack of coordination, and in severe cases, seizures or coma may occur.

— Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026
Unlike dizziness — which causes lightheadedness or unsteadiness — vertigo feels more like spinning.

— Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 27 May 2026

Definition of unsteadiness

Noun

But an Iranian diplomat promptly rejected this, saying such a visit can only come after a final deal — a denial that highlighted the precariousness of the ongoing negotiations.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 June 2026
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

Definition of precariousness

Browse Nearby Words

in spite of

instability

install

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Instability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instability. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of instability

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes