What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tumultuous
Example
The country went through a tumultuous period of political upheaval. [tumultuous: adjective]
Example
Their tumultuous relationship was marked by constant arguments and breakups. [tumultuous: adjective]
unstable
Example
The building was deemed unsafe due to its unstable foundation. [unstable: adjective]
Example
The stock market is known for its unstable nature, with prices fluctuating rapidly. [unstable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unstable is more commonly used than tumultuous in everyday language. Unstable is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while tumultuous is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tumultuous and unstable?
Both tumultuous and unstable can be used in formal and informal contexts, but tumultuous may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its less frequent usage.
