has become unstable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has become unstable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or condition that has changed from a stable state to an unstable one, often in contexts related to systems, relationships, or environments. Example: "The financial market has become unstable due to recent economic changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"Some hold the view that my cabinet has become unstable because of the falling support rate," he said.

The New York Times

As Syria has become unstable, the reasons for Russia to work with the United States on a political solution have become more compelling.

The New York Times

This means that Israel's northern border with Syria on the Golan Heights, which used to be the quietest, has become unstable.

The Economist

"In the six or eight months since the real estate market has become unstable in some places, Parkchester has still been strong," said Zakir Khan, the owner of Parkchester Real Estate.

The New York Times

But politicians call the shots, and that will become even clearer as Airbus ploughs through the most turbulent period in its 36-year history.The current shareholding structure of EADS has become unstable, given the strains on its financial situation.

The Economist

And the consequences of the continuing turmoil in the Middle East are at least twofold: renewed episodes of terrorism in France, Belgium, and Germany, which may over time dent business and consumer confidence; and a migration crisis that requires closer cooperation with Turkey, which itself has become unstable since the botched military coup.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

On Sunday, the palace said his condition had become unstable.

The Guardian

An avid neo-Nazi and frequent cocaine user, Lehder had become unstable.

The New Yorker

Lotz's family couldn't pinpoint the moment when he had become unstable.

The New Yorker

Some, like the rose window panels, have been temporarily replaced because their supporting structures have become unstable.

Princeton University

The surgeon told Trisha that the next step would be to fuse her lower spine, which had become "unstable".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like political climates or market conditions, use "has become unstable" to clearly communicate a shift from a steady state to one of uncertainty and potential disruption.

Common error

Avoid using "has become unstable" when describing minor inconveniences or temporary setbacks. This phrase implies a significant and potentially irreversible shift, so reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant such strong language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has become unstable" functions as a linking phrase, connecting a subject to a state of instability. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, indicating a transition from a prior stable condition. This phrase is frequently used to describe shifts in political, economic, or physical systems.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has become unstable" effectively communicates a transition from a state of stability to one of unpredictability, volatility, or potential collapse. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and finds frequent use across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While versatile, it is crucial to reserve it for situations that warrant such strong language, avoiding overuse in overly dramatic or trivial contexts. Alternatives like "has grown precarious" or "has turned turbulent" offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts. Understanding its purpose and register allows for precise and impactful communication. "Has become unstable" implies a significant change, alerting the reader to a potentially dangerous or precarious situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has grown precarious

Focuses on the dangerous or uncertain aspect of the new state.

has turned turbulent

Emphasizes the chaotic nature of the changed situation.

has descended into chaos

Highlights a complete breakdown of order.

has deteriorated rapidly

Stresses a quick decline in condition or quality.

has reached a breaking point

Indicates a critical moment where failure is imminent.

is on the verge of collapse

Suggests an impending failure or breakdown.

has become unsustainable

Implies an inability to continue in its current state.

is increasingly precarious

Emphasizes the increasing risk and uncertainty.

has begun to falter

Indicates an initial loss of strength or stability.

has proved untenable

Highlights that a situation or condition is no longer defensible or viable.

FAQs

How can I use "has become unstable" in a sentence?

You can use "has become unstable" to describe situations transitioning from stability to unpredictability. For example, "The political climate "has become unstable" due to recent events".

What are some alternatives to "has become unstable"?

Alternatives include "has grown precarious", "has turned turbulent", or "has deteriorated rapidly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "had become unstable" instead of "has become unstable"?

Yes, "had become unstable" is grammatically correct, but it places the instability in the past relative to another past event. "Has become unstable" implies the instability is relevant to the present.

What's the difference between "has become unstable" and "is unstable"?

"Has become unstable" indicates a change over time, emphasizing the process of losing stability. "Is unstable" simply describes the current state without indicating how it got that way.