unstable
adjectiveLikely to fall over or break because it is not held firmly in place.
adjectiveChanging a lot and not staying the same for long.
adjectiveLikely to change your mood or behaviour suddenly and without warning.
adjectiveBreaking down or falling apart easily.
adjectiveGiving off energy in the form of radiation.
Syllables
3 syllables
Letters
Phonics breakdown
Phonics Rule: Prefix UN-
UN- means 'not' or 'the opposite of'. 'Unhappy' means 'not happy'.
The prefix un- is added to the beginning of a word to mean 'not' or to reverse an action. 'Happy' → 'unhappy' (not happy). 'Do' → 'undo' (reverse doing).
Tip
UN makes it undone — unhappy, unfair, unlike!
Examples
Phonics Rule: ST Blend
S and T blend together — you hear both sounds! Like in 'stop' and 'fast'.
The blend ST combines /s/ and /t/ spoken quickly together. It can appear at the beginning or end of a word.
Examples
Phonics Rule: Suffix -ABLE
The suffix -ABLE means 'can be done'. It turns verbs into adjectives.
-ABLE means capable of: readable = can be read, washable = can be washed, breakable = can be broken. The vowel in -ABLE uses the schwa sound /ə/, making it sound like 'uh-bul'.
Tip
-ABLE means you're able to do it — readable means you can read it!
Examples
What is SnapPhonics?
A phonics reference for teachers, parents and learners. Every English word, broken into the sounds that make it — with audio, syllables, and the rule behind each spelling.
Save words to study lists, build flashcard decks, and scan your own worksheets and books.