shaky

adjective

ˈshā-kē 

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

ˈshā-kə-lē 

adverb

shakiness

ˈshā-kē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• aquiver
• atremble
• quaking
• quavery
• quivering
• shaking
• shuddering
• shuddery
• tottering
• tottery
• trembling
• trembly
• tremulous
• wobbling
• wabbling
• wobbly
• wabbly

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

All of this leaves the already shaky government of Ishiba facing some very difficult choices. —Steven Desmyter, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Despite its popularity, the law was on shaky legal ground, and a judge placed a restraining order on it almost immediately. —Eladio B. Bobadilla / Made By History, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024

Tesla’s history with Optimus is shaky, going back to its infamous 2021 debut that showed off a person dancing in a costume. —William Gavin, Quartz, 29 Oct. 2024

But Baltimore’s pass defense has been shaky, which should provide hope for the Broncos. —Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 3 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing shaky

• on shaky ground
• rests on shaky ground

Kids Definition

shaky

adjective

ˈshā-kē 

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

-kə-lē 

adverb

shakiness

-kē-nəs 

noun