shaky

shaky

adjective \ˈshā-kē\

shak·i·ershak·i·est

Definition of SHAKY

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

— shak·i·ly \-kə-lē\ adverb

— shak·i·ness \-kē-nəs\ noun

Examples of SHAKY

1. She took a few shaky steps before she collapsed.
2. Her commitment to the cause seems shaky.
3. Their marriage is on shaky ground.
4. The team has performed better lately after getting off to a shaky start.

First Known Use of SHAKY

1703

Related to SHAKY

Synonyms

aquiver, atremble, quaking, quavery, quivering, shaking, shuddering, shuddery, tottering, tottery, trembling, trembly, tremulous, wobbling (also wabbling), wobbly (also wabbly)

Antonyms

certain, hands-down, incontestable, indisputable, indubitable, questionless, sure, undeniable, undoubted, unproblematic, unquestionable

Related Words

convulsive; shivering, shivery; rocky, staggery, unstable, unsteady, wavering, wavery; palpitating, pulsating, throbbing

Near Antonyms

controlled, firm, settled, stable, steady

Other Seed Plant Terms

aubergine, box, bramble, briar, composite, perpetual, pulse, trefoil

Rhymes with SHAKY

achy, braky, cakey, flaky, laky, snaky