: not steady: such as
a
: not standing or moving in a steady and balanced way
The stool/ladder is unsteady.
He was a little unsteady on his feet.
The horse walked with an unsteady gait.
b
: shaking or moving because of nervousness, weakness, etc.
He signed his name with an unsteady hand.
Her voice was unsteady.
c
: not happening or proceeding in a smooth and constant way
The progress of the work has been unsteady.
a period of unsteady growth
Cite this Entry
“Unsteady.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/unsteady. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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