adj.
Pronunciation: - ' st ā -b ə l
Function: adjective
Date: 13th century
: not stable : not firm or fixed : not constant: as a : not steady in action or movement : IRREGULAR <an unstable pulse> b : wavering in purpose or intent : VACILLATING c : lacking steadiness : apt to move, sway, or fall <an unstable tower> d (1) : liable to change or alteration <an unstable economy> < unstable weather> (2) : readily changing (as by decomposing) in chemical or physical composition or in biological activity e : characterized by lack of emotional control
synonyms see INCONSTANT
– un · sta · ble · ness noun
– un · sta · bly \ -b( ə -)l ē \ adverb