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 American democratic experiment stands on shaky ground. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026

Andy’s spark is just what Runway needs, though, since the glossy fashion magazine is on shaky financial grounds in the age of digital media. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026

Likewise, romance is on shaky ground as well. — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 25 June 2026

In the interim, however, relations have been shaky. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 25 June 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