WordHive Learning Dictionary

Unstable

adjective

not steady.

8 letters 3 syllables

What does Unstable mean?

not steady.

Dictionary definition

not steady and likely to change or fail.

Example sentences

Unstable in a sentence

easy

In class, we used unstable to describe what happened in the story.

medium

The worksheet asked students to explain unstable in an everyday example.

hard

During discussion, students compared how unstable changed the outcome of the situation.

Writing practice

Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice unstable in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.

Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Unstable

Answer one quick question about its meaning and related words.

Practice 1

What does unstable mean?

Pronunciation coach
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Unstable

Voice settings
Sounds like

un · stay · bul · strongest beat: stay

Synonyms

Words like Unstable

related termSimilar meaning used in caution or problem contexts.
close wordA near meaning with small usage differences.
Antonyms

Opposite words

opposite conditionA useful contrast in meaning.
safer stateShows a more secure opposite situation.
Synonym practice

Want to practice unstable synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The old bridge looked unstable after the flood," then compare close word choices. Practice unstable synonyms.

Word family

Unstable word family

Base word

unstable

Related words
Student support

Understand Unstable

Hint for students

Unstable means not steady and likely to change, tip, move, or fail. It can describe objects, systems, or situations.

Common mix-up

Unstable is not always about danger. It can simply mean something is not steady or may change quickly.

Try it in class or at home

Write one sentence that shows unstable without using the word unstable. Then underline the clue words that show wobbling, changing, tipping, failing, or not staying steady. Example: The tall tower of blocks shook each time someone walked past. Clue words: tall tower, shook, walked past Now try your own sentence. Ask: Does my sentence show something that is not steady or may change suddenly?

Teacher prompt

Ask students to explain this model sentence: "The stack of boxes was unstable on the uneven floor." Why does unstable fit better than stable?