French word

instable

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛ̃stabl/

Meaning

  • adjectiveunstable

Example

Cette chaise est instable.

This chair is unstable.

Illustration for instable (unstable)

More examples

Le terrain est instable après la pluie.

The ground is unstable after the rain.

Core concept

A thing, situation, or mood without a firm base, liable to wobble or change.

Common phrases

  • être instable

    be unstable

  • un sol instable

    unstable ground

  • une économie instable

    an unstable economy

Similar words

variable: Prone to change and lacking a steady, consistent quality.
branlant: Poorly supported or joined, making it likely to wobble.
précaire: Dependent on uncertain conditions and unlikely to last.

Definition in French

Qui manque de fixation ou de constance, applicable tant aux objets physiques qu'aux situations et aux humeurs.

Word origin

The prefix in- in French instable negates Latin stabilis, meaning firm or steady, producing the sense of lacking stability.

Usage tips

  • For insecure work or living conditions, French often uses précaire rather than instable, while instable remains natural for a wobbly chair.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word