risk of instability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "risk of instability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential threats or uncertainties that may lead to a lack of stability in various contexts, such as economics, politics, or technology. Example: "The recent changes in policy have raised concerns about the risk of instability in the financial markets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The risk of instability remains.

The Economist

But there is also an increased risk of instability.

The Economist

Without a process of national reconciliation in Burma, the risk of instability is real.

The New York Times

On cue, leading business executives parroted the Chinese line, warning about the grave risk of instability that could follow a headlong rush to free elections.

The New York Times

That may be good news for American consumers, but it increases the risk of instability in Middle Eastern oil-producing states.

The New York Times

"The so-called realist school said that the Soviet Union would never collapse, and that efforts to make it collapse are running the risk of instability," Feith said.

The New Yorker

But such partnerships bring the risk of instability, and Germany has long insisted on safeguards against infection.

The Economist

Only when economic trouble is accompanied by other elements of vulnerability is there a high risk of instability.

The Economist

Some damaged buildings have yet to be entered because of the risk of instability and the presence of asbestos.

The New York Times

The US National Intelligence Council wrote that water problems will put key north African and Middle East countries at greater risk of instability and state failure," says the report.

The Guardian

Politicians on both sides of the Atlantic have the ability to lower the risk of instability by implementing structural reforms, ensuring more balanced aggregate demand, removing pockets of excessive indebtedness, and smoothing out the mechanisms of multilateral and regional governance.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential disruptions in geopolitical or economic contexts, using "risk of instability" effectively conveys a sense of potential danger and uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "risk of instability" excessively in situations where the potential for disruption is minimal. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and create unnecessary alarm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "risk of instability" functions as a noun phrase, often used as the subject or object of a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it describes the possibility or probability of a situation becoming unstable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "risk of instability" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote the possibility of a situation becoming unstable. As verified by Ludwig, its primary function is to convey concern or caution across various contexts, including news, science, and business. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives like "threat of disruption" or "potential for chaos". The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources highlights its significance in discussions about potential disruptions across multiple domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

threat of disruption

Focuses on the disruptive aspect of the instability.

potential for chaos

Emphasizes the chaotic nature of the possible instability.

likelihood of turbulence

Highlights the turbulent character of the potential instability.

danger of collapse

Focuses on the complete failure aspect of instability.

possibility of upheaval

Stresses the sudden and significant change associated with instability.

prospect of disarray

Underlines the state of disorder resulting from instability.

concern about volatility

Emphasizes the unpredictable changes linked to instability.

fear of fragmentation

Highlights the potential for breaking apart or dissolving due to instability.

precarious situation

Describes the unstable state as a fragile or uncertain condition.

fragility of stability

Focuses on the delicate nature of the current stable state and its susceptibility to disruption.

FAQs

How can I use "risk of instability" in a sentence?

You can use "risk of instability" to describe potential threats to a system or situation, such as "The political climate increases the "risk of instability" in the region".

What are some alternatives to "risk of instability"?

You can use alternatives like "threat of disruption", "potential for chaos", or "likelihood of turbulence" depending on the context.

Which is more appropriate: "risk of instability" or "threat of instability"?

Both ""risk of instability"" and "threat of instability" are appropriate, but "threat" often implies a more imminent or direct source of the potential problem.

What factors contribute to the "risk of instability" in a country?

Factors contributing to the ""risk of instability"" in a country can include economic inequality, political corruption, and social unrest.