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
Synonyms
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
And yet, Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez’s blockbuster independent production is what turned the meta conceit into a true genre, inspiring waves of imitators that borrow its shaky cam, intimate format.
—
Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2024
Admittedly, the found footage concept is shaky here.
—Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 13 Sep. 2024
The stock tumbled to record lows earlier this week after the former president’s shaky performance in Tuesday night’s debate.
—Matt Egan, CNN, 13 Sep. 2024
The three major averages have been on shaky footing so far in September after ending the previous month with gains.
—Brian Evans, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for shaky 
Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2024
Admittedly, the found footage concept is shaky here.
—Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 13 Sep. 2024
The stock tumbled to record lows earlier this week after the former president’s shaky performance in Tuesday night’s debate.
—Matt Egan, CNN, 13 Sep. 2024
The three major averages have been on shaky footing so far in September after ending the previous month with gains.
—Brian Evans, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for shaky
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shaky.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near shaky
Cite this Entry
“Shaky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shaky. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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