instability
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instability
The state of not being stable; a lack of firmness, security, or consistency.
Die politische Instabilität in der Region macht vielen Menschen Sorgen.
The political instability in the region worries many people.
'Instabilität' (instability) is made up of three parts: the prefix 'in-' (not), the word stem 'stabil' (stable), and the ending '-ität', which forms abstract nouns from adjectives. Literally, it therefore means the state of 'Nicht-Stabil-Sein' (not being stable).
Die Flexibilität des Materials ist ein großer Vorteil.
The flexibility of the material is a major advantage.
This noun is often used to describe complex conditions. Common combinations are 'politische Instabilität' (political instability), 'wirtschaftliche Instabilität' (economic instability), and 'emotionale Instabilität' (emotional instability).
Nach der Krise herrschte eine große wirtschaftliche Instabilität im Land.
After the crisis, there was great economic instability in the country.
Since 'Instabilität' (instability) is an abstract state, a genitive or a prepositional phrase is often used to explain more precisely what is unstable. Pay attention to constructions like 'die Instabilität der Regierung' (the instability of the government) or 'Instabilität in einem System' (instability in a system).
Die Instabilität des Wetters macht eine Planung unmöglich.
The instability of the weather makes planning impossible.
safety / certainty / security
'die Sicherheit' and 'die Instabilität' form an opposite pair when it comes to protection, stable conditions, or low risks. 'Sicherheit' describes a state in which one is protected from danger or risk. 'Instabilität', on the other hand, describes that something is not firm, not consistent, or unsafe. 'Sicherheit' fits, for example, with traffic, work, or politics when the situation is reliable. 'Instabilität' fits when something can change quickly or does not remain stable.
Wegen der Instabilität der alten Brücke wurde die Straße gesperrt.
Because of the instability of the old bridge, the road was closed.
Im Straßenverkehr ist die Sicherheit der Kinder besonders wichtig.
In road traffic, children's safety is especially important.