unstable

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'unstable' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to things or situations that are not secure, consistent, or reliable. For example, "The government's economic policy has been unstable in recent years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The minute there was disorder in a class, my daughter became unstable and she became the problem.

The Guardian

If no combination of parties can agree there could be a second election this year – that happened only twice in the 20th century, in 1910 and 1974 – or an unstable minority government that struggles to survive from day one.

The Guardian

She was one of the roughly 500 mentally unstable people shot dead by police each year; few ever remember the names of the victims.

The Guardian

Others migrate in search of work to subsidise this ever more unstable existence.

The Guardian

And the threats to Europe are forming on unstable terrain east and south of its borders, where state structures are either weak or disintegrating.

The Guardian

This unstable policy environment has had a clear impact on major technology innovators, developers and financiers, who will understandably be questioning their future in Australia".

The Guardian

But the king reminds him that he is from a famously unstable family and hints that Monrad's own recklessness is to blame for the tragedy we have watched unfolding.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

All this, he assures me, is better than being "being inflicted by an unstable and imploding Europe that doesn't work.

The Guardian

What is at stake is the fragile coalition based at Stormont, which was already unstable due to Sinn Féin's refusal to allow a power-sharing executive meeting to sit since June.

The Guardian

Literature began to pepper the windshields of cars at political events suggesting that Mr. McCain had committed treason while a prisoner of war in North Vietnam, that he was mentally unstable after years in a POW camp, that he was the homosexual candidate and that Mrs McCain, who had admitted to abusing prescription drugs years earlier, was an addict.

The Guardian

Just over a fortnight later, once the trouble in east Belfast subsided, the action switched to one of the most unstable sectarian interfaces in the north of the city.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing emotional states, pair "unstable" with specific triggers or behaviors to provide a clearer picture of the person's condition. For example, instead of simply saying "He's unstable", specify "He becomes unstable under pressure."

Common error

Avoid using "unstable" as a catch-all term for anything negative. Instead, use more specific adjectives that precisely capture the nature of the instability, such as "volatile", "precarious", or "erratic", depending on the situation.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "unstable" primarily functions to describe a state of being where something lacks firmness, steadiness, or reliability. Ludwig's examples showcase this in contexts ranging from political situations to personal emotional states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Academic sources

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unstable" is a versatile adjective used to describe a lack of stability or reliability across a wide array of contexts. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals its frequent use in News & Media, highlighting political and economic uncertainties. While "unstable" is considered grammatically correct, it's crucial to select specific synonyms to avoid vagueness, such as ""volatile"", "precarious", or "erratic". This ensures greater precision in writing. According to Ludwig AI, this word is correct and usable in written english.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Precarious

Describes a situation or object that is in danger of falling or collapsing; emphasizes a lack of security.

Volatile

Indicates a tendency to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse; highlights unpredictability.

Erratic

Describes behavior or movement that is unpredictable and irregular; emphasizes inconsistency.

Uncertain

Highlights a lack of sureness about something; underscores doubt and unpredictability.

Fickle

Implies a lack of loyalty or steadfastness; emphasizes unreliability in commitment.

Shaky

Describes something not firm or safe; focuses on physical or metaphorical instability.

Wobbly

Suggests a lack of balance or steadiness; emphasizes physical instability.

Insecure

Indicates a lack of confidence or safety; underscores a sense of vulnerability.

Tottering

Suggests an unsteady movement, close to falling; emphasizes weakness and impending failure.

Changeable

Indicates a tendency to vary or alter; emphasizes the potential for alteration.

FAQs

How can I use "unstable" in a sentence?

You can use "unstable" to describe something that is not secure, consistent, or reliable. For instance, "The ladder felt "shaky" and unstable." or "The country's political situation is highly "volatile" and unstable.

What are some alternatives to the word "unstable"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "precarious", ""volatile"", "erratic", or "insecure" as alternatives to "unstable".

Which is correct: "unstable" or "instable"?

Both "unstable" and "instable" exist, but "unstable" is far more common and widely accepted. "Instable" is considered less standard and may sound awkward to native English speakers.

What's the difference between "unstable" and "fragile"?

"Unstable" refers to a lack of security or steadiness, suggesting potential for change or collapse. "Fragile", on the other hand, describes something easily broken or damaged. An unstable government may collapse, while a fragile vase may shatter.