Unstable: meaning, definitions and examples

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unstable

[ ʌnˈsteɪb(ə)l ]

^{Context #1}

mental health

Prone to sudden changes or shifts in mood, behavior, or feelings, often resulting in emotional distress or instability.

Synonyms

erratic, insecure, unpredictable, unsteady, volatile

Examples of usage

He has been feeling very unstable lately, with frequent mood swings.
The unstable nature of his emotions makes it difficult for him to maintain healthy relationships.
Her unstable mental health requires regular therapy sessions and medication.

^{Context #2}

physical condition

Not securely fixed in place; likely to give way or collapse.

Synonyms

fragile, precarious, shaky, unsteady, wobbly

Examples of usage

The old bridge is unstable and dangerous to cross.
The patient's condition is critical as he is in an unstable state.

^{Context #3}

chemistry

A reactive chemical species that is likely to undergo a change under specific conditions.

Synonyms

labile, reactive, transient, unpredictable, volatile

Examples of usage

The unstable compound quickly decomposed when exposed to heat.
Scientists are studying the properties of this unstable element.

Translations

Translations of the word "unstable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 instável

🇮🇳 अस्थिर

🇩🇪 instabil

🇮🇩 tidak stabil

🇺🇦 нестабільний

🇵🇱 niestabilny

🇯🇵 不安定な (ふあんていな)

🇫🇷 instable

🇪🇸 inestable

🇹🇷 istikrarsız

🇰🇷 불안정한 (불안정하다)

🇸🇦 غير مستقر

🇨🇿 nestabilní

🇸🇰 nestabilný

🇨🇳 不稳定的 (bù wěndìng de)

🇸🇮 nestabilen

🇮🇸 óstöðugur

🇰🇿 тұрақсыз

🇬🇪 არასტაბილური

🇦🇿 sabit olmayan

🇲🇽 inestable

Word origin

The word 'unstable' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' or 'opposite of' and the word 'stable' which comes from the Latin 'stabilis' meaning 'firm' or 'steadfast'. The term has been used in various contexts to describe both mental and physical conditions that lack stability or firmness.