an unstable situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unstable situation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a scenario that is unpredictable or prone to change, often in contexts such as politics, economics, or personal circumstances. Example: "The region is facing an unstable situation due to ongoing conflicts and economic turmoil."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

This is an unstable situation.

The New York Times

That has been an unstable situation for at least two months.

Independent

But the alliance does not want to endanger the troops by prematurely sending them into an unstable situation.

The New York Times

"It's an unstable situation that could rapidly deteriorate," said a defense official who accompanied Mr. Rumsfeld's traveling party.

The New York Times

The team's Italian coach, Luciano Spalletti, said that certain players created an unstable situation in the team and had to be dealt with.

The New York Times - Sports

Such a glacier, in an extended position and terminating in shallow water on a moraine shoal, is in an unstable situation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The situation of cichlids thus represents an inherently unstable situation, with an excessive tendency for speciation.

Biology Direct

Other strategists, such as Thomas Schelling, warned that if both sides sought a first-strike capability, that could lead to an extremely unstable situation, especially during a period of high political tension when both were nervous as to the other's intentions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But so far the antagonists' mincing steps toward peace have yielded what is, even by this region's standards, a most unstable situation: a cease-fire that won't, a unity government that isn't, and a Palestinian Authority that doesn't have much, or at least won't exercise it to the Israelis' satisfaction.

The New York Times

A statement issued by Orient House, the Palestine Liberation Organization headquarters in East Jerusalem, called the Israeli action "a serious provocation that will further inflame an already unstable situation in East Jerusalem and jeopardize any remaining prospects for a cease-fire".

The New York Times

He was not able to thrive in a somewhat unstable situation as a Dolphin, and his overall body of work is not impressive enough to warrant anything better than a modest two-year deal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an unstable situation", be specific about the factors contributing to the instability. Providing context helps your audience understand the nature and potential consequences of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "an unstable situation" as a generic descriptor. Instead, elaborate on the specific elements causing instability, such as economic factors, political tensions, or environmental conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unstable situation" functions as a noun phrase, where "unstable" modifies the noun "situation". It describes a condition or set of circumstances that are prone to change, disruption, or collapse, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Science & Research

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an unstable situation" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe circumstances characterized by unpredictability and potential for disruption. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and applicable across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. When employing this phrase, providing specific details about the factors contributing to the instability enhances clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "a precarious state" or "a volatile environment" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Be mindful of overusing the phrase without sufficient context to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a precarious state

Emphasizes the risk of collapse or failure.

a volatile environment

Highlights the rapid and unpredictable changes.

a critical juncture

Focuses on the decisiveness and potential consequences of the situation.

a delicate balance

Suggests a situation where small changes can have significant impacts.

a fluid dynamic

Indicates a constantly shifting and evolving set of circumstances.

a shaky arrangement

Suggests a lack of solidity and potential for breakdown.

a turbulent period

Emphasizes the disruptive and chaotic nature of the time.

a risky proposition

Highlights the potential for negative outcomes or losses.

a sensitive matter

Indicates the need for careful handling and consideration.

a wobbly foundation

Suggests that the underlying structure is weak and liable to fail.

FAQs

How can I use "an unstable situation" in a sentence?

You can use "an unstable situation" to describe contexts ranging from political climates to personal finances. For example, "The country's political landscape is currently in "an unstable situation" due to recent elections".

What are some alternatives to saying "an unstable situation"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you could use alternatives like "a "precarious state"", "a "volatile environment"", or "a "critical juncture"".

Is it better to say "unstable situation" or "stable situation"?

The choice depends on the context. "Unstable situation" describes a scenario prone to change or disruption, while "stable situation" refers to a state of equilibrium and predictability.

What's the difference between "an unstable situation" and "a crisis"?

"An unstable situation" describes a condition of potential disruption, while "a crisis" refers to a specific event or turning point that poses an immediate threat. A crisis may arise from "an unstable situation".