are not stable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not stable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that lacks stability or consistency, often in contexts related to conditions, situations, or systems. Example: "The financial markets are not stable, leading to uncertainty for investors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"These are not stable jobs," he said.

The New Yorker

First, public finances are not stable.

The Guardian

Their lives are not stable and sometimes not safe.

The New York Times

But engineers say the two terraces are not stable.

The New York Times

"Individuals are not stable things, they are fleeting.

The Guardian - Books

They are unbalanced, overloaded, and they are not stable".

The New York Times

And even the collective histories created or fixed by memorials are not stable.

The New York Times - Arts

"We are really concerned about them returning to places that are not stable," she said.

The New York Times

As Roubini puts it: markets that rise on both good and bad news are not stable markets.

The Guardian - Business

These are not stable in acidic solution.

AMB Express

"Clearly there are risks; some countries are not stable.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts such as economies or political situations, use "are not stable" to convey a sense of uncertainty or potential for change.

Common error

While "are not stable" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in highly technical or scientific writing where more precise terms like "exhibit instability" or "demonstrate transient behavior" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not stable" functions as a copular verb phrase, linking a subject to a predicate adjective that describes its condition or state. It indicates a lack of steadiness, permanence, or reliability. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are not stable" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe a lack of steadiness or reliability. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and applicable across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in scientific and news media sources, it conveys concern or caution about the predictability or sustainability of a subject. While synonyms like "are unsteady" or "lack stability" exist, "are not stable" provides a clear and widely understood way to express potential risks and uncertainties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack stability

Directly replaces the phrase with a noun-based equivalent.

are unsteady

Replaces "stable" with a synonym emphasizing lack of steadiness.

are precarious

Emphasizes the potential for collapse or failure.

are unreliable

Focuses on the lack of dependability or trustworthiness.

are unsustainable

Highlights the inability to maintain a certain state or process over time.

are fluctuating

Indicates constant changes and lack of fixedness.

are volatile

Suggests a proneness to rapid and unpredictable changes.

are impermanent

Stresses the temporary nature of something.

are transient

Similar to impermanent, but often implies a shorter duration.

are not durable

Focuses on the lack of resistance to wear, tear, or degradation.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "are not stable"?

When something is described as "are not stable", it means that it is prone to change, unreliable, or lacks a consistent state. This can apply to various contexts, from chemical compounds to economic conditions.

What are some synonyms for "are not stable"?

Some synonyms for "are not stable" include "are unsteady", "are precarious", and "lack stability". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "are not stable" in a sentence?

You can use "are not stable" to describe anything that lacks a fixed or reliable state. For example, "The political situation in the country are not stable" or "These chemical compounds are not stable at high temperatures".

Is it better to say "are not stable" or "are unstable"?

Both "are not stable" and "are unstable" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "Are unstable" is generally more concise, but "are not stable" can sometimes provide a slightly different emphasis depending on the context.