instability

/ˌɪnstəˈbɪləti/
nounIntermediate lack of stability or consistency
general

a state of being unstable or prone to change or collapse

The economic instability has led to widespread unemployment.

The lack of economic stability has resulted in many people losing their jobs.

The bridge's instability makes it unsafe for heavy vehicles.

The bridge's lack of stability makes it dangerous for heavy vehicles.

💡

Often used to describe political, economic, or structural conditions that are unreliable or unpredictable.

Collocations

political instabilitya lack of political stability or ordereconomic instabilitya lack of economic stability or predictabilitystructural instabilitya lack of structural stability or strength

Related Phrases

on shaky groundidiom
in a precarious or unstable situation
rock the boatidiom
to disrupt stability or cause trouble

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

The meaning of 'instability' can vary depending on the context—political, economic, or structural.

Gold Rule

Avoid Overuse

Use 'instability' to describe significant or ongoing issues, not minor fluctuations.

📖Word Origin

From the Latin 'in-' (not) + 'stabilis' (stable) + '-ity' (state of being).

📝Usage Notes

Commonly used in political, economic, and engineering contexts to describe conditions that are prone to change or collapse.

Word Breakdown

in-
not
prefix
+
stable
steady or firm
root
+
-ity
state of being
suffix
English Dictionary