slightly unstable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly unstable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not completely stable, indicating a minor degree of instability. Example: "The structure was found to be slightly unstable after the recent earthquake, prompting further inspections."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

It's classic Matthews – bullying, slightly unstable, and repetitive.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's because the central gas ring is slightly unstable, according to AST/RO's measurements.

Harvard University

Eventually, she was pain free, and yet the knee still felt slightly unstable.

The New York Times - Sports

This is so interesting because it seems ever so slightly... unstable.

The New York Times

There was also an editor who seemed "slightly unstable" and used to swear at interns.

The Guardian

Nuclear fuel typically contains uranium-235, a massive and slightly unstable atom famously capable of sustaining chain reactions.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

The F-16 was the first production fighter aircraft intentionally designed to be slightly aerodynamically unstable, also known as "relaxed static stability" (RSS), to improve maneuverability.

Wikipedia

For μ = 1.5, the simulation shows that the system, initially in a slightly perturbed unstable homogeneous solution, reaches a stable homogeneous solution after a transitory Turing-like pattern generation.

ACS Synthetic Biology

This suggests that those filaments present in the heterogeneous model are slightly more unstable and interact more (both with other filaments and in terms of terminating and being created) than in the homogeneous model in line with the predictions of Clayton and Holden (14, 15).

American Journal of Physiology - Heart and Circulatory Physiology

Twelve healthy subjects sat on a force platform with three variable stability levels (stable and on seesaws with a long and short radius, inferring slightly and highly unstable sitting, respectively) and three orthosis conditions (no LO, neutral LO, lordotic LO).

Applied Ergonomics

Males were slightly overrepresented with unstable fractures.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation or object as "slightly unstable", ensure the context clarifies what constitutes 'instability'. Be specific about the factors contributing to this condition to provide a clearer picture.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly unstable" when the situation warrants a stronger term like "unstable" or "precarious". Accurate assessment prevents misrepresentation and ensures clear communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly unstable" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing the degree to which something lacks stability. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where it modifies nouns, adding a nuanced understanding of their condition. For example, it can describe physical objects or abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightly unstable" is a versatile adjectival modifier used to describe something that lacks complete stability, conveying a moderate degree of precariousness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriate usage across various contexts. As shown by Ludwig, it's commonly found in "News & Media" and "Science", demonstrating its suitability for both general and technical audiences. While grammatically correct, it's important to consider the specific context to ensure the degree of instability is accurately represented, avoiding overstatements and maintaining clarity in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Marginally unstable

Uses 'marginally' instead of 'slightly', emphasizing a minimal degree of instability.

Somewhat unsteady

Replaces 'unstable' with 'unsteady', offering a more general sense of lacking stability.

Barely stable

Focuses on the proximity to being stable, implying a very slight instability.

Slightly precarious

Swaps 'unstable' with 'precarious' to highlight potential danger.

A bit precarious

Substitutes the entire phrase to convey a sense of risk or uncertainty.

Not entirely stable

Uses a negative construction to convey the same meaning, emphasizing the lack of complete stability.

Somewhat volatile

Replaces 'unstable' with 'volatile', indicating a tendency to change rapidly and unpredictably.

A little shaky

Offers a more informal way to express a lack of stability or reliability.

Moderately shaky

Replace 'slightly' with 'moderately' to show a more significant instability.

Mildly erratic

Shifts the focus to erratic behavior as a form of instability.

FAQs

How can I use "slightly unstable" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly unstable" to describe something that is not completely stable. For example, "The chair felt "slightly unstable", so I sat down carefully."

What can I say instead of "slightly unstable"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat unsteady", "a bit precarious", or "marginally unstable" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "slightly unstable" or "a little unstable"?

Both "slightly unstable" and "a little unstable" are correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and personal preference.

What's the difference between "slightly unstable" and "very unstable"?

"Slightly unstable" indicates a minor degree of instability, while "very unstable" suggests a much more significant and potentially dangerous lack of stability.