不稳定 (bù wěn dìng)

adjective HSK 4

Traditional 不穩定

bù wěn dìng

unstable · unsteady · volatile

Meaning

不稳定 describes something that lacks stability or consistency. It can refer to physical instability (like a wobbly table), emotional instability (like mood swings), or situational volatility (like an unstable political situation or fluctuating economy).

Usage

This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. It frequently appears in discussions about politics, economics, emotions, relationships, health conditions, and physical structures. Native speakers often use it to describe situations that are unpredictable or subject to sudden changes.

Examples

01
最近股市很不稳定，价格波动很大。
Zuì jìn gǔ shì hěn bù wěn dìng, jià gé bō dòng hěn dà.
The stock market has been very unstable recently, with large price fluctuations.
02
他的情绪一直不稳定，需要看心理医生。
Tā de qíng xù yī zhí bù wěn dìng, xū yào kàn xīn lǐ yī shēng.
His emotions have been unstable all along; he needs to see a psychologist.

Characters

Common collocations

情绪不稳定
qíng xù bù wěn dìng
emotionally unstable
局势不稳定
jú shì bù wěn dìng
the situation is unstable
不稳定因素
bù wěn dìng yīn sù
unstable factors, destabilizing elements
关系不稳定
guān xì bù wěn dìng
unstable relationship

Antonyms

Origin

不 (not) negates 稳定 (stable), which combines 稳 (steady/stable) and 定 (fixed/settled). The compound literally means 'not-stable-fixed.'