unsteady

1 of 2

verb

un·​steady ˌən-ˈste-dē How to pronounce unsteady (audio)
unsteadied; unsteadying; unsteadies

transitive verb

: to make unsteady

unsteady

2 of 2

adjective

: not steady: such as
a
: not firm or solid : not fixed in position : unstable
b
: marked by change or fluctuation : changeable
c
: not uniform or even : irregular
an unsteady pulse
unsteadily adverb
unsteadiness noun

Examples of unsteady in a Sentence

Adjective He was a little unsteady on his feet. The horse walked with an unsteady gait. He signed his name with an unsteady hand. The progress of the work has been unsteady. a period of unsteady growth
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
The changes offered purpose and vital human connections that seemed to serve as moorings in a life too routinely unsteadied by the gathering gloom. San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Sep. 2019 The rocks shifted and wobbled beneath my feet as the robust current pushed against my legs, unsteadying me. Cheryl Strayed, Vogue, 17 July 2018
Adjective
For now, many patients and providers remain on unsteady ground. Kate Knibbs, WIRED, 9 Oct. 2024 Between all the seductive milk sipping and unsteady cranium bleaching, Lola and Eric really take their time with Brent. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unsteady 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unsteady.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1532, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1551, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsteady was in 1532

Dictionary Entries Near unsteady

Cite this Entry

“Unsteady.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsteady. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

unsteady

adjective
un·​steady
ˌən-ˈsted-ē,
ˈən-
: not steady : unstable
unsteadily
-ˈsted-ᵊl-ē
adverb
unsteadiness
-ˈsted-ē-nəs
noun

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