inestable
/ee-nes-TAH-bleh/
unstable
A stack of blocks that is inestable because it lacks balance.
inestable(adjective)
unstable
?general lack of balance or permanence
shaky
?physical objects that might fall
,volatile
?situations that change quickly
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
One Form for Everyone
This word ends in -e, which means it stays the same whether you are describing a masculine noun (el clima) or a feminine noun (la mesa).
Ser vs. Estar
Use 'ser' if something is naturally unstable (like a bad personality trait) and 'estar' if it's currently unstable (like the weather or a wobbly chair).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Don't use 'inestabla'
Mistake: "La silla está inestabla."
Correction: La silla está inestable. Adjectives ending in -e don't change to -a for feminine things.
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Weather
In weather reports, 'tiempo inestable' is the standard way to say the weather is unpredictable or likely to rain.
The turbulent water represents an inestable emotional state.
inestable(adjective)
unstable
?emotional or mental state
unpredictable
?someone whose mood changes fast
📝 In Action
Últimamente se siente emocionalmente inestable.
B2Lately, they feel emotionally unstable.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: inestable
Question 1 of 2
Which of these is the correct way to say 'the wobbly table'?
📚 More Resources
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).