unsteady

[uhn-sted-ee]

adjective

1. not steady or firm; unstable; shaky.

   an unsteady hand.

2. fluctuating or wavering.

   an unsteady flame; unsteady prices.

   Synonyms: vacillating

3. irregular or uneven.

   an unsteady development.

verb (used with object)

unsteadied, unsteadying 

1. to make unsteady.

unsteady

/ ʌnˈstɛdɪ /

adjective

1. not securely fixed

   an unsteady foothold

2. (of behaviour, etc) lacking constancy; erratic

3. without regularity

   an unsteady rhythm

4. (of a manner of walking, etc) precarious, staggering, as from intoxication

verb

1. (tr) to make unsteady

Other Word Forms

• unsteadily adverb
• unsteadiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unsteady¹

First recorded in 1525–35; un- ¹ + steady

Synonym Study

See unsettled.

Example Sentences

Montgomery wasn’t “fully coherent,” Hey said, was miles from where he thought he was and appeared unsteady on his feet.

From Los Angeles Times

During the second set Djokovic's level dropped considerably as he looked increasingly flustered and unsteady on his feet in a humid New York.

From BBC

He was said to be unsteady on his feet, had cuts and bruises and was slurring his speech.

From BBC

She slept more and more, but anytime I changed rooms she would slowly rouse herself and follow on unsteady, spindly legs.

From Los Angeles Times

Southpaw Usyk punctuated each of the opening two rounds with a counter left and had Dubois looking a little unsteady in the second.

From BBC

Related Words

• erratic 
• groggy 
• precarious 
• rickety 
• rocky 
• unstable 
• wobbly