unstable
Other forms: unstably
To be unstable is to lack stability, meaning things could change without warning, like an unstable bookshelf that is likely to fall down. If you are unstable emotionally, you might be ecstatically happy one minute and horribly depressed and angry the next.
The adjective unstable means the opposite of stable. Stable is derived from the Latin base word stare meaning “to stand.” If a building, family, person, bridge, or chemical solution is stable it will “stand still,” even if something unexpected happens. On the other hand, if a person or thing is unstable and stress is applied, he, she, or it is likely to shift position, possibly in a dangerous way.
-
subject to change; variable“everything was unstable following the coup”
-
synonyms:
fluid
-
changeable, changeful
such that alteration is possible; having a marked tendency to change
-
changeable, changeful
-
lacking stability or fixity or firmness“unstable political conditions”“the tower proved to be unstable in the high wind”“an unstable world economy”
-
Synonyms:
-
inconstant
likely to change frequently often without apparent or cogent reason; variable
-
impermanent, temporary
not permanent; not lasting
-
coseismal, coseismic
being where earthquake waves arrive simultaneously
-
crank, cranky, tender, tippy
(used of boats) inclined to heel over easily under sail
-
explosive, volatile
liable to lead to sudden change or violence
-
rickety, shaky, wobbly, wonky
inclined to shake as from weakness or defect
-
rocky
liable to rock
-
seismal, seismic
subject to or caused by an earthquake or earth vibration
-
top-heavy
unstable by being overloaded at the top
-
tottering
(of structures or institutions) having lost stability; failing or on the point of collapse
-
volcanic
explosively unstable
-
unsteady
subject to change or variation
-
Antonyms:
-
stable
resistant to change of position or condition
-
constant
steadfast in purpose or devotion or affection
-
lasting, permanent
continuing or enduring without marked change in status or condition or place
-
firm, steady, unfluctuating
not liable to fluctuate or especially to fall
-
lasting
lasting a long time without change
-
stabile
(chemistry, physics, biology) resistant to change
-
stabilised, stabilized
made stable or firm
-
steady
not subject to change or variation especially in behavior
- show more antonyms...
-
inconstant
-
affording no ease or reassurance
-
synonyms:
precarious, tenuous
-
uneasy
lacking a sense of security or affording no ease or reassurance
-
uneasy
-
suffering from severe mental illness
-
synonyms:
mentally ill, unsound
-
insane
afflicted with or characteristic of mental derangement
-
insane
-
disposed to psychological variability“his rather unstable religious convictions”
-
Synonyms:
-
irresolute
uncertain how to act or proceed
-
irresolute
-
highly or violently reactive“sensitive and highly unstable compounds”
-
Synonyms:
-
reactive
participating readily in reactions
-
reactive
/ˈənˌsteɪbəl/
/ənˈsteɪbəl/
Vocabulary lists containing unstable
In this novel, a boy with facial anomalies tries to navigate the sometimes treacherous world of public school. Here is a link to Auggie & Me by R.J. Palacio.
Prepare for the TOEFL Exam by learning these words that begin with the common prefix un-, meaning "not."
Look up unstable for the last time
Close your vocabulary gaps with personalized learning that focuses on teaching the words you need to know.
