labile
UK: ˈleɪbaɪl | US: ˈleɪbəl
adj. easily altered or prone to change; unstable
adj. (chemistry) readily undergoing chemical or physical change
The word "labile" originates from the Latin root lab-, meaning "to slip or slide" (seen in words like "lapse" and "collapsible"). The suffix -ile (from Latin -ilis) forms adjectives indicating capability or tendency. Thus, "labile" literally means "prone to slipping or sliding," metaphorically extending to instability or susceptibility to change. In chemistry, it describes substances that readily undergo transformation.
Her emotions were labile, shifting from joy to despair within minutes.
The compound is highly labile, decomposing at room temperature.
Political alliances in the region remain labile due to ongoing conflicts.
The labile nature of the market makes long-term predictions difficult.
Enzymes can become labile under extreme pH conditions.