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
Synonyms of shaky
Examples of shaky in a Sentence
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
Williams delivered after a shaky start, throwing for 361 yards and the two late touchdowns.
—
CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
Herbert has been efficient during that period, but the team has leaned on its running game while not asking its 27-year-old quarterback to do too much behind a banged-up, shaky offensive line that allowed him to be pressured a league-high 263 times during the 2025 season, per Pro Football Focus.
—Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026
The final two selections for the men’s team came with some drama after a shaky free skate competition on Saturday.
—Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2026
During the commotion, the agent’s shaky cellphone video shows houses along the street and views of the sky.
—Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shaky
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CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
Herbert has been efficient during that period, but the team has leaned on its running game while not asking its 27-year-old quarterback to do too much behind a banged-up, shaky offensive line that allowed him to be pressured a league-high 263 times during the 2025 season, per Pro Football Focus.
—Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026
The final two selections for the men’s team came with some drama after a shaky free skate competition on Saturday.
—Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2026
During the commotion, the agent’s shaky cellphone video shows houses along the street and views of the sky.
—Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shaky
Cite this Entry
“Shaky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shaky. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
shaky
adjective
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
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