inestable
“inestable” means “unstable” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
unstable
Also: shaky, volatile
📝 In Action
Esta mesa es un poco inestable.
A2This table is a bit shaky.
El clima está muy inestable hoy; podría llover en cualquier momento.
B1The weather is very unstable today; it could rain at any moment.
La situación política en la región sigue siendo inestable.
B2The political situation in the region remains unstable.
unstable
Also: unpredictable
📝 In Action
Últimamente se siente emocionalmente inestable.
B2Lately, they feel emotionally unstable.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: inestable
Question 1 of 2
Which of these is the correct way to say 'the wobbly table'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'instabilis'. The prefix 'in-' means 'not', and 'stabilis' comes from 'stare', meaning 'to stand'. Essentially, it describes something that 'cannot stand' firmly.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'inestable' change for plural nouns?
Yes! While it doesn't change for gender, it does change for number. Add an '-s' to make it plural: 'las sillas inestables'.
When should I use 'ser' vs 'estar' with this word?
Use 'estar' for temporary states (like a chair that needs fixing or today's weather). Use 'ser' for permanent characteristics (like a chemical compound that is naturally unstable).