shaky

1 of 2

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

a shaky ladder

shakily

ˈshā-kə-lē 

adverb

shakiness

ˈshā-kē-nəs 

noun

shakiness

2 of 2

noun

shak·​i·​ness -kēnə̇s 

-kin-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being shaky

Synonyms of shaky

Adjective

• shaking
• trembly
• trembling
• quivering
• shuddering
• wobbly

Examples of shaky in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

The Heat’s defense also was again shaky, allowing the Hornets to score 96 points through the first three quarters before limiting Charlotte to 19 points in the fourth quarter. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2026

Political attack ads – fear messaging being one type – have a shakier record. — Monique Mitchell Turner, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2026

Despite the Cougars’ shaky start, with all that Pac-12 prestige, exposure and, importantly, financial income under both teams’ belts, does either have an inherent advantage over the conference’s newcomers? — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 22 Oct. 2026

The Glee reboot should pepper the series with some fun cameos from beloved characters, many of whom got cast in the later shakier seasons, as well as some of the most fun guest stars. — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 22 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1703, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing shaky

• on shaky ground
• rests on shaky ground

Rhymes for shaky

• flaky
• reiki
• snaky

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