unstable arrangement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unstable arrangement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or setup that is not secure or is likely to change unexpectedly. Example: "The unstable arrangement of the furniture made the room feel chaotic and disorganized."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It is an inherently unstable arrangement, and the Shiites frequently complain that they are marginalized and discriminated against.

The New York Times

The girl inside the letter proves a rather unstable arrangement and eventually the whole number is canned.

The New York Times

However, as a result, it's a highly unstable arrangement; when I shoulder-robed my way down to the shops, my coat blew away.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In theory, that electron could end up attached to a nearby flavin molecule, creating an unstable arrangement called a radical pair.

The Economist

The females, it seems, like the new arrangement and are keen to preserve it.However, such pacific behaviour is unusual in baboon troops, which suggests it is an unstable arrangement.

The Economist

Indeed, to claim, as Popper does, that an experimental arrangement has a tendency to produce a given limiting relative frequency of a particular outcome, presupposes a kind of stability or uniformity in the workings of that arrangement (for the limit would not exist in a suitably unstable arrangement).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

These were highly unstable arrangements, arousing fears that major defaults would occur.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gingerbread, a charity that campaigns for single parents, warned the new system could lead to "unstable" arrangements.

The Guardian - Money

Smith joined these cubiform elements at odd and seemingly haphazard angles, in dynamically unstable arrangements that communicate an effect of weightlessness and freedom.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We're very concerned that closing CSA cases and bringing in charges may deter some parents from making new child maintenance agreements or pressure single parents into unstable arrangements, and children will lose out on vital support.

The Guardian - Money

Abd al-Rahman and the British were engaged in delicate and unstable arrangements characterized by mutual distrust.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation as an "unstable arrangement", provide specific details about why it is unstable. What factors contribute to its instability? This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

While "unstable arrangement" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced language depending on the specific context, such as "precarious situation" or "tenuous agreement".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unstable arrangement" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "unstable" modifies the noun "arrangement". It is used to describe something that lacks stability and is prone to change or disruption. As Ludwig AI pointed out, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unstable arrangement" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable way to describe a situation or setup that lacks security or is likely to change unexpectedly. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression. While the phrase sees use across various domains, it is particularly prevalent in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, suggesting a preference for professional and neutral contexts. When using "unstable arrangement", consider providing specifics about the source of the instability to enhance clarity. For situations that demand more precision, alternatives like "precarious situation" or "tenuous agreement" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precarious situation

Focuses on the potential danger or insecurity of the situation.

tenuous agreement

Highlights the fragility and potential for breakdown of an agreement.

volatile setup

Emphasizes the likelihood of sudden and dramatic changes in the setup.

shaky compromise

Stresses the weakness and potential for failure of a compromise.

unsettled state

Indicates a lack of stability and predictability in the current state.

fragile accord

Highlights the delicacy and risk of collapse of an accord.

precarious balance

Emphasizes the difficulty in maintaining equilibrium and the risk of imbalance.

uncertain configuration

Focuses on the lack of definiteness and predictability in the configuration.

unreliable system

Highlights the untrustworthiness and potential for failure of a system.

insecure framework

Emphasizes the lack of safety and protection provided by the framework.

FAQs

What does "unstable arrangement" mean?

"Unstable arrangement" refers to a situation or setup that is not secure, reliable, or likely to last. It suggests a potential for sudden change or collapse.

What can I say instead of "unstable arrangement"?

Alternatives to "unstable arrangement" include "precarious situation", "tenuous agreement", or "volatile setup", depending on the specific context.

How to use "unstable arrangement" in a sentence?

You can use "unstable arrangement" to describe various scenarios, such as: "The current political climate has created an unstable arrangement between the parties."

What is the difference between "unstable arrangement" and "temporary solution"?

While both imply impermanence, "unstable arrangement" suggests a higher risk of failure or collapse due to inherent weaknesses or external pressures. "Temporary solution" implies a planned short-term fix, not necessarily prone to failure.