How Do You Spell INSTABILITY?

Pronunciation: [ɪnstəbˈɪlɪti] (IPA)

The word "instability" is spelled with the prefix "in-" meaning "not" followed by the word "stability" which refers to a state of being stable or secure. In IPA phonetic transcription, "instability" is pronounced as /ˌɪn.stəˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/. This means that the stress falls on the second syllable, and the "a" sound in "sta" is pronounced as a "schwa" sound, like the "uh" sound in "up." The "i" in "in-" is pronounced like the "ih" sound in "tin."

INSTABILITY Meaning and Definition

  1. Instability is a noun that refers to the state or quality of being unstable, insecure, or not firmly established. It describes a lack of security, durability, or consistency, causing a potential for change or collapse. In broader terms, instability encompasses a wide range of implications depending on the context in which it is used.

    In a physical sense, instability often pertains to an object, structure, or system that is prone to wobbling, swaying, or falling due to a lack of balance or structural integrity. This could refer to a rickety building, an unsteady ladder, or even an earthquake-vulnerable region.

    In the scope of economic or financial contexts, instability indicates fluctuations, volatility, or uncertainty within a market, currency, or overall economic condition. This instability can result in unpredictable changes in prices, investment values, employment rates, or consumer confidence.

    On a personal or emotional level, instability implies a lack of consistency, reliability, or mental equilibrium. It can describe someone who experiences erratic behavior, mood swings, or an inability to maintain relationships or hold steady employment.

    In the realm of political or social affairs, instability refers to a state or condition of unrest, turmoil, or uncertainty within a country, region, or society. This may arise from political unrest, civil conflicts, or changes in leadership that disrupt the established order and create an atmosphere of chaos or insecurity.

    Overall, the term instability denotes a condition or state where predictability, orderliness, or steadiness is compromised, emphasizing the potential for change, malfunction, disruption, or collapse.

  2. Changeableness; fickleness; inconstancy.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for INSTABILITY *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for INSTABILITY

Etymology of INSTABILITY

The word instability has Latin roots. It is derived from the Latin word instabilitas, which was formed by combining the prefix in- (meaning not or without) and the word stabilitas (meaning stability). The Latin word stabilitas itself comes from the verb stare (meaning to stand). So, the etymology of instability can be traced back to the Latin term for not standing or not stable.

Similar spelling words for INSTABILITY

Plural form of INSTABILITY is INSTABILITIES

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: