What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vicissitudinous
Example
The stock market is vicissitudinous, with prices constantly rising and falling. [vicissitudinous: adjective]
Example
Her vicissitudinous career path led her from being a successful lawyer to a struggling artist. [vicissitudinous: adjective]
unstable
Example
The political situation in the country is unstable, with frequent protests and unrest. [unstable: adjective]
Example
She has an unstable personality and can be difficult to work with. [unstable: adjective]
Example
The pile of books on the shelf looks unstable and could fall at any moment. [unstable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unstable is a more commonly used word than vicissitudinous in everyday language. Unstable is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while vicissitudinous is less common and more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between vicissitudinous and unstable?
Vicissitudinous is a more formal word that is less commonly used in everyday language, while unstable is a more versatile word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
