unstable
15
7.0
- adjective
- /ʌnˈsteɪbəl/
- Specialized
- High energy or ionizing radiation is emitted when the unstable atoms of radioactive materials transition to a stable state.
- unstable compound
- highly unstable
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Watch on YouTubeThe radioactive compounds are then concentrated in the mineral, but it's an unstable compound that'll crumble away within a few years.
- The radioactive compounds are then concentrated in the mineral, but it's an unstable compound that'll crumble away within a few years.
- Atoms leftover after large unstable nuclei are split to release energy.
- However, neutrons, curiously enough, are actually unstable if they are on their own.
- Energy turns into mass and we can make these brand new unstable particles.
Examples
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Fusion power is in some sense one of the ultimate sources of energy, but it's unstable and we don't have fusion power today.
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It's a very poisonous and unstable compound.
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Turns out the ray is highly unstable.
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The nitrogen in the air is also unstable, though in less degree.
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Energy turns into mass and we can make these brand new unstable particles.
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So a wormhole is highly unstable, wanting to collapse upon itself.
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Structural engineers take the necessary precautions to secure unstable areas and protect workers in the recovery effort.
Academic text (2001) -
Muons were known to be unstable; laboratory experiments showed them to decay quite rapidly.
Academic text (1992) -
One-celled life had to react almost instantly to an unstable, unsafe environment or die.
Fiction book (2000) -
The scientist warned that the chemical was highly unstable and could react violently if mixed with water.
Synonyms
241
4.6
Able to burst or cause a sudden violent outburst
106
7.0
Likely to change suddenly and become more dangerous
10
5.1
Likely to take part in chemical reactions
1
9.7
Able to change or break down easily
1
9.9
Something very fragile that people or events can easily destroy
Antonyms
How Reactive
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Unstable is formed from un- 'not' and stable 'standing firm'. So an unstable substance does not 'stand firm' and can change or break apart suddenly, which is why it can be dangerous.