Unsteady

/ʌnˈstɛdi/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

lacking stability or firmness; not steady.

The unsteady ladder wobbled dangerously as he climbed.

changing or fluctuating; not consistent.

The unsteady economy made investors anxious about the future.

showing lack of reliability or certainty; erratic.

Her unsteady voice indicated she was nervous during the presentation.

prone to sudden changes; volatile.

The patient's unsteady condition required constant monitoring.

combination of 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'steady' from Old English 'stædige'

on unsteady ground

in a situation that is uncertain or risky

unsteady gait

a walking pattern that lacks stability

unsteady hands

hands that shake or tremble, often due to nervousness or medical conditions

steady

firmly fixed, supported, or balanced

stability

the state of being steady or stable

instability

the quality of being unstable or prone to change

tipsy

After a few drinks, he felt a bit unsteady on his feet.

shaky

That ride was intense! I felt so unsteady afterward.