shaky

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

Synonyms of shaky

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

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

Zandi warned that raising rates to cool demand could tip over the stock market, which could take down the shaky job market. — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 28 July 2026

Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love could make his presence felt early as LaFleur tries to build a strong run game to support his shaky quarterback room. — Mike Jones, New York Times, 27 July 2026

Instead of allowing his powerful running game an opportunity to try and seal the deal, Sherman left things up to his shaky defense — which eventually failed and Philadelphia won, 20-17, in overtime. — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

Cases are on the rise and even the evidence behind FDA’s leading suspect appears to be shaky, by the agency’s own admission. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 23 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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