Word
instability
Phoneticsin·sta·bil·i·ty, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɪnstəˈbɪɫɪti/
UK/ɪnstəbˈɪlɪti/
Definitions
01lack of steadiness
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. a situation where things are changing quickly and unpredictably, often in a bad way.
n. the quality of being prone to sudden change or collapse; often applied to political, economic, or emotional contexts.
“The country suffered from political instability for many years after the war.”
“Market analysts warned that the current economic instability could lead to a significant decrease in foreign investment over the next quarter.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02scientific imbalance
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. a state in science where a small change causes a big, permanent effect.
n. a state in which a system is not in equilibrium, such that a minor perturbation results in a large and often irreversible shift.
“Atmospheric instability often leads to the formation of large thunderstorms.”
“The structural instability of the compound became apparent when it was exposed to even slight variations in ambient temperature.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Thousands of migrants from across Africa and beyond travel to Morocco each year, fleeing conflict, poverty and instability, and seeking a route into Europe.” “The instability and lack of support that families experience in childhood directly feeds into the adult social care crisis.” “Liberia presented a special opportunity, because it has great waves, he adds, but political instability has scared away most surf tourists.” Etymology
From Middle French instabilité, from Latin instabilitas. Morphologically in- + stability.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/instability