unstable
word
/ənˈsteɪbəɫ/
un-STAY-buhl
/ʌnstˈeɪbəl/
un-STAY-buhl
Definition
Not steady or likely to change, break, or fall apart easily. Can describe things like objects, situations, or even people's emotions or minds.
Usage & Nuances
Used for both physical and abstract concepts: 'unstable ladder', 'unstable economy', 'emotionally unstable'. Often used in formal, medical, or scientific contexts. Not the same as 'unsafe'—something can be unstable but not immediately dangerous.
Spanish: inestablePortuguese (BR): instávelPortuguese (PT): instávelChinese (Simplified): 不稳定Chinese (Traditional): 不穩定Hindi: अस्थिरArabic: غير مستقرBengali: অস্থিতিশীল - অনির্দিষ্ট (বৈষয়িক নয়)Russian: нестабильныйJapanese: 不安定なVietnamese: không ổn địnhKorean: 불안정한Turkish: dengesiz - kararsızUrdu: غیر مستحکمIndonesian: tidak stabil
Example Sentences
The table is unstable and wobbles when you touch it.
basic
The weather has been unstable all week.
basic
That ladder is unstable—don't climb it.
basic
His mood is pretty unstable these days.
natural
The political situation is too unstable to invest right now.
natural
After the repair, the chair was still a bit unstable.
natural