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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Recent Examples of instability
Some experts say drawing in foreign investment could take years due to a combination of high costs, political instability and a history of the Venezuelan government nationalizing oil assets.
—
January 9, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Major oil companies remain hesitant about Venezuela investments due to political instability, past expropriations and uncertainty over contract protections and guarantees.
—Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
If Venezuela ends up being the next Libya, for example, regional instability will rise, drug flows and violence will increase, and opportunities for Chinese involvement could grow.
—Jennifer Kavanagh, Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2026
The militarization of space, expanded anti-missile defenses and the potential risks of AI could create additional instability.
—Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for instability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instability
Noun
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The recent private jobs reports released from ADP also showed unsteadiness.—
Noun
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The situation in Venezuela is further complicated by the volatility of the exchange rate, the high prices of goods and basic products, and the precariousness of salaries and bonuses for millions of workers in the public sector, Trak said.—
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Trump’s emergency order, along with subsequent federal deployments that have continued in some form even after the formal emergency expired, highlighted the precariousness of local control.—
Noun
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This is partially why, for the first time since his days at the Holiday Inn, Belew felt a tinge of insecurity when called to front a new band with Fripp in 1981.—
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The president is a man of low character, driven by greed, insecurity and revenge.—
Cite this Entry
“Instability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instability. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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