Tottering

ˈtɒt.ər.ɪŋ

Meaning & Definition

verb

To walk unsteadily, as though about to fall.

The drunken man was tottering down the street, struggling to keep his balance.

To move in a wavering or unsteady manner.

The toddler was tottering across the playground, delighting in her newfound walking ability.

To be in a state of instability or uncertainty.

The economy has been tottering on the brink of recession for several months now.

adjective

Moving unsteadily; unstable.

The tottering old man needed assistance to cross the street.

In a weak or precarious condition.

The tottering structure was in danger of collapse after the earthquake.

From the verb 'totter', dating back to the late 16th century.

tottering on the brink

being very close to failure or collapse

tottering to and fro

moving back and forth unsteadily

totter

to walk in a weak or unsteady manner

stagger

to walk or move unsteadily, as if about to fall

to be in a state of confusion or disarray

After that party, I was totally tottering.

to feel overwhelmed or out of control

I was tottering under the pressure of finals.