Words / C1

inst-uh-BIL-uh-tee/ˌɪnstəˈbɪləti/

Instability is the state of being likely to change, collapse, or fail: political instability, instability in the sample. Stable sits opposite; night coverage that comes and goes is a rota finding, not “energy”.

Meaning

The state of being likely to change or collapse in an unwelcome way.

Examples

• “Instability on the night rota is a cover failure, not “agile culture”.”
• “Instability in night coverage is a rota finding, not “energy”.”
• “Volatility is the close twin. Unrest is the political twin. Energy is a story. A gap on the grid is evidence. Staff the night; keep energy for the yearbook.”

Good to know

Likelihood of collapse or change. Close: volatility. Night holes ≠ energy.

Near in meaning

volatility, unrest

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