Unstable
ʌnˈsteɪbəl
Definitions
3 meaningsLikely to change or fail; not firmly established or balanced.
ʌnˈsteɪbəl
Not firmly fixed; liable to collapse or give way.
The chair was unstable, and I almost fell.
💡 Simply: Imagine a tower of blocks that's about to fall over. Something unstable is like that—it's not very strong and could easily change or break.
👶 For kids: When something is unstable, it's like it's going to fall down easily.
More Examples
The economic climate is becoming increasingly unstable.
An unstable personality can exhibit unpredictable behavior.
How It's Used
"An unstable particle decays rapidly."
"The country's political situation is unstable."
Characterized by erratic behavior, prone to sudden changes in mood or emotional state.
ʌnˈsteɪbəl
Emotionally or mentally disturbed; prone to erratic behavior.
The patient was diagnosed with an unstable personality.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone who is always changing their mind or feelings. If someone is easily upset and acting different ways often, they are unstable.
👶 For kids: When someone's feelings change a lot, like happy then sad, they can be called unstable.
More Examples
Her unstable emotional state made it difficult to communicate.
The volatile nature of his unstable behavior often caused problems.
How It's Used
"The patient displayed an unstable mood."
"His unstable relationships were a source of stress."
A substance or system that is likely to decompose, change, or degrade easily.
ʌnˈsteɪbəl
Liable to chemical or physical change.
The unstable chemical reacted violently.
💡 Simply: Imagine a building made of blocks that is poorly constructed. It won't hold together for long. Something unstable is a substance that changes easily.
👶 For kids: When something is unstable it's like it doesn't stay the same.
More Examples
Unstable isotopes release radiation as they decay.
The unstable environment of the experiment affected the results.
How It's Used
"The unstable compound quickly decomposed."
"Radioactive isotopes are inherently unstable."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
unstable ground
A precarious or risky situation.
"The politician tried to gain support but was standing on unstable ground."
From Middle English *unstable*, from Old French *estable* ('stable') and the prefix *un-* ('not').
The word 'unstable' has been used since the 14th century to describe things that are not steady or firm. The original meaning stems from lacking 'stability'.
Memory tip
Imagine a wobbly table. If it's *unstable*, it's likely to tip over.
Word Origin
"not stable"