OpenSynonym

labile

/ˈleɪbaɪl/

ADJECTIVE

1. Likely or liable to change

Having a tendency to change easily, frequently, or unpredictably, especially in condition, behavior, mood, or characteristics.

1.1. Changeable or variable conditions

Describes something that is subject to frequent or unpredictable changes, such as weather, market conditions, circumstances, or environmental states.

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Antonyms

Examples

  • The weather in the region is highly labile, with sudden changes in temperature.
  • The financial market is known for its labile nature.
  • The ecosystem is considered labile and requires careful conservation efforts.

Related Words

1.2. Unstable or fluctuating emotional states

Describes emotions, moods, or psychological conditions that change rapidly or unpredictably, often involving sudden shifts in emotional responses.

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Antonyms

Examples

  • The patient's mood swings are characteristic of a labile emotional state.
  • His labile temperament made it difficult to predict his reactions.
  • She experienced labile emotions during the stressful period.

Related Words

ADJECTIVE

2. Easily broken down or chemically unstable

Describing a chemical compound or bond that is kinetically unstable and can be rapidly broken down, cleaved, or transformed under particular conditions.

2.1. Chemical instability and rapid decomposition

Describes compounds or chemical bonds that readily undergo cleavage, decomposition, or transformation because they are not kinetically stable.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The chemical compound is highly labile and can be easily influenced by external factors.
  • The researchers studied the labile bonds in the molecular structure.
  • The substance contains a labile component that breaks down rapidly under certain conditions.

Related Words

  • chemical reaction
  • decomposition
  • cleavage
  • kinetic stability
  • reactivity
  • compound
  • chemical bond

ADJECTIVE

3. Prone to slipping, making errors, or abandoning a position

Having a tendency or susceptibility to slip, err, fall, or abandon a previously held belief or position.

3.1. Being liable to make mistakes or abandon beliefs

Describes someone or something that is susceptible to errors, lapses, or changes in allegiance, belief, or commitment.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The historical text described him as labile in his religious convictions.
  • A labile individual may be more susceptible to changing previously held positions.
  • The author questioned whether such a labile commitment could withstand pressure.

Related Words

  • fallibility
  • error
  • instability
  • inconstancy
  • apostasy
  • allegiance
  • commitment

ADJECTIVE

4. Capable of changing grammatical valency without changing form

Describing a verb that can be used both transitively and intransitively without changing its written or spoken form.

4.1. Grammatical flexibility of verbs

Refers to a verb whose grammatical use can change between transitive and intransitive constructions while retaining the same form.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • invariable
  • fixed
  • inflexible
  • constant

Examples

  • The verb is labile because it can be used transitively or intransitively without changing its form.
  • English contains several labile verbs that function in different grammatical constructions.
  • The linguist examined the labile behavior of the verb in both sentence patterns.

Related Words

  • grammar
  • verb
  • valency
  • transitivity
  • intransitive
  • transitive
  • syntax