What does "instability" mean?

1. (lack of steadiness) a situation where things are changing quickly and unpredictably, often in a bad way. 2. (scientific imbalance) a state in science where a small change causes a big, permanent effect.

instability

US //ˌɪnstəˈbɪɫɪti// UK //ɪnstəbˈɪlɪti// in·sta·bil·i·ty

1 lack of steadiness (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a situation where things are changing quickly and unpredictably, often in a bad way.

the quality of being prone to sudden change or collapse; often applied to political, economic, or emotional contexts.

Example

The country suffered from political instability for many years after the war.

Example

Market analysts warned that the current economic instability could lead to a significant decrease in foreign investment over the next quarter.
- unsteadiness
- volatility
- insecurity
- stability
- steadiness
2 scientific imbalance (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Science

a state in science where a small change causes a big, permanent effect.

a state in which a system is not in equilibrium, such that a minor perturbation results in a large and often irreversible shift.

Example

Atmospheric instability often leads to the formation of large thunderstorms.

Example

The structural instability of the compound became apparent when it was exposed to even slight variations in ambient temperature.
- disequilibrium
- fluctuation
- equilibrium
- balance

Origin

From Middle French instabilité, from Latin instabilitas. Morphologically in- + stability.