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
In it, Vigna talks about India, free trade, and the shaky EV market.
—
Byron Hurd, The Drive, 19 Mar. 2026
The Fed now faces a delicate balancing act amid the twin threats of higher inflation and a job market still on shaky footing.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026
After a shaky first 10 minutes, Nebraska found its footing, continuously building on its lead until the scoreboard read 76-47 at the final whistle.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 Mar. 2026
Instead, the surging Hornets improved to 19-6 in their last 25 games after a shaky 16-28 start to the season.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shaky
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Byron Hurd, The Drive, 19 Mar. 2026
The Fed now faces a delicate balancing act amid the twin threats of higher inflation and a job market still on shaky footing.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026
After a shaky first 10 minutes, Nebraska found its footing, continuously building on its lead until the scoreboard read 76-47 at the final whistle.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 Mar. 2026
Instead, the surging Hornets improved to 19-6 in their last 25 games after a shaky 16-28 start to the season.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 18 Mar. 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 25 Mar. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
