WordGarden.iounstable
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnstˈeɪbəl/
US
- /ənˈsteɪbəl/
Meanings
Adjective
likely to change suddenly, fail, or become worse
not firmly balanced or likely to fall or move
mentally or emotionally unbalanced and easily upset
More meaningsFewer meanings
prone to crashing or behaving unpredictably in software or systems
likely to change, react, or break down in a scientific context
Beyond the definition
Imagine building a tower of blocks. If the base is not solid, the whole structure is unstable - it wobbles and could easily fall over. That is what "unstable" means: not firm, safe, or secure. It can describe physical things like shaky ground after an earthquake, but also less physical situations. An unstable political situation might mean a country could move toward conflict, while someone in an unstable emotional state may have strong and unpredictable feelings. Think of it as something that is not reliable or not likely to stay the same for long.
The word "unstable" describes a condition where something lacks stability - meaning it is not firmly fixed, secure, or balanced. It suggests that something may change suddenly, fail, or behave in an unpredictable way. It can apply to many different things, both physical and abstract.
Physically, an unstable structure is one that's likely to fall down. "The old bridge was declared unstable after the flood." Geologically, unstable ground might be prone to landslides.
But "unstable" is not limited to the physical world. An unstable economy changes sharply and offers little security. An unstable relationship is filled with conflict and uncertainty. The word can also describe a person's emotional or mental state when it changes in a sudden or unhealthy way. "After losing his job, he became increasingly unstable."
The key to understanding "unstable" is the idea that something does not have a steady balance. It suggests that things are close to going wrong and could easily tip into trouble or failure. It is often used as a warning sign, showing possible danger or risk. So if you hear something described as unstable, pay attention - it likely needs support or careful handling to keep it from falling apart.
Examples
- 1
Furniture
The chair felt unstable, so I sat somewhere else.
- 2
Walking
After the accident, he was a little unstable on his feet.
- Phraseunstable on your feet
unable to stand or walk steadily
- 3
Emotional state
She became emotionally unstable during that stressful period.
- 4
Prices
Food prices have been unstable for months.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Political situation
The region is still politically unstable after the election.
- 6
Software reliability
This version of the app is too unstable to use for work.
- Domain
in computing, an unstable app or system often crashes or does not work reliably
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- unstable condition
- unstable situation
- unstable structure
- emotionally unstable
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unstableadjective