lability

[ luh-bil-i-tee, ley- ]

/ ləˈbɪl ɪ ti, leɪ- /

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noun

the fact or quality of being likely to change:The lability of the neuromuscular system during physical therapy was measured in muscle force and reaction times.

Chemistry, Biochemistry. the ability or likelihood of a substance or compound to change or break down easily, rapidly, or continually:It was found that the degree of lability varies considerably with different amido-aldehydes.

Psychiatry. the unregulated or unstable state of emotions or mood, characterized by exaggerated affective expression: They were concerned about his emotional lability, from flaring anger one moment to maudlin sentimentality the next.

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CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of lability

First recorded in 1550–60 in a different sense; equivalent to Latin lābili(s) “sliding, slipping” (see labile) + -tās -ty²

Words nearby lability

labia majora, labia minora, labiate, Labiche, labile, lability, labilize, labio-, labiodental, labiogression, labionasal

How to use lability in a sentence

Their life seems to be one long series of impulsions, fostered and sustained by the extreme lability of their emotions.
Studies in Forensic Psychiatry|Bernard Glueck
And this, in turn, may be regarded as but a manifestation of the process of survival by lability rather than by stability.
Introduction to the Science of Sociology|Robert E. Park