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be unstable

[bi ˈʌnˈsteɪbəl]
verb phrase
ser instável
1. to lack stability, firmness, or steadiness; to be in a state of uncertainty or prone to change
The structure is unstable and could collapse at any moment.
A estrutura é instável e pode desabar a qualquer momento.
2. to be emotionally or mentally unbalanced or unpredictable
His behavior has been unstable since the accident.
Seu comportamento tem sido instável desde o acidente.
3. to be in a state of flux or lacking equilibrium
The political situation remains unstable.
A situação política permanece instável.
Synonyms
be unsteadybe shakybe precariousbe uncertainbe volatilefluctuate
Antonyms
be stablebe steadybe firmbe fixedbe constant

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ser instável
standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
ser instável
common colloquial: 'tá instável'
São Paulo
ser instável
standard usage
Portugal
ser instável
standard usage; may also use 'estar instável' to emphasize current state

Related Idioms & Phrases

on shaky ground
walking on thin ice
a house of cards
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