What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
instability
Example
The political instability in the country has caused economic turmoil. [instability: noun]
Example
The stock market showed signs of instability due to the pandemic. [instability: noun]
insecurity
Example
She struggled with feelings of insecurity after losing her job. [insecurity: noun]
Example
His insecurity about his appearance made him avoid social situations. [insecurity: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Insecurity is more commonly used than instability in everyday language. Insecurity is a common emotion that people experience, while instability is a technical term that is less frequently used in everyday conversation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between instability and insecurity?
Instability is typically associated with a formal or technical tone, while insecurity is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.