shakier; shakiest
1
: characterized by shakes
shaky timber
2
a
: lacking stability : precarious
a shaky economy
performed well after a shaky start
b
: lacking in firmness (as of beliefs or principles)
c
: lacking in authority or reliability : questionable
shaky experimental procedures
shaky data
3
a
: somewhat unsound in health
b
: characterized by shaking
4
: likely to give way or break down
shakily adverb
shakiness noun

Examples of shaky in a Sentence

She took a few shaky steps before she collapsed. Her commitment to the cause seems shaky. Their marriage is on shaky ground. The team has performed better lately after getting off to a shaky start.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The fintech sector, in particular, faced significant headwinds, as overhyped valuations and shaky business models led to disappointing post-IPO performances. Zennon Kapron, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024 Quarterback Quinn Ewers had a little shaky of a game against Clemson but in the end, the Longhorns were too strong. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024 Now, under a shaky ceasefire, officials are only beginning to assess damage to homes and antiquities alike. Lauren Frayer, NPR, 23 Dec. 2024 The outlet says, Beyond had claimed that the financing for the deal was in jeopardy because of The Container Store's shaky finances. Mackenzie Schmidt, People.com, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shaky 

Word History

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shaky was in 1703

Dictionary Entries Near shaky

Cite this Entry

“Shaky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shaky. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

shaky

adjective
shakier; shakiest
1
a
: lacking firmness
b
: lacking in authority or reliability : questionable
shaky data
2
: marked by shaking : trembling
3
: likely to give way or break down
shakily adverb
shakiness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on shaky

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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