1
as in sporadic
lacking in steadiness or regularity of occurrence
a year of unsteady economic growth
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in volatile
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly
in the days of sailing ships, mariners were constantly at the mercy of unsteady winds
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3
as in unstable
not being in or able to maintain a state of balance
cautiously climbed up the unsteady ladder
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4
as in uneven
not staying constant
unsteady business conditions that rattled investors
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unsteady
At the scene, Durham appeared to be unsteady on his feet, slurred his speech and had dilated pupils, according to an arrest affidavit.
—
Brad Schmitt, The Tennessean, 16 July 2025
As seen in a video shared on social media by royal reporter Rhiannon Mills of Sky News, William also admitted that his device was unsteady.
—Stephanie Petit, People.com, 22 May 2025
So, what will moral and democratic revival look like when the ground beneath is unsteady?
—F. Willis Johnson, Twin Cities, 10 July 2025
Consumer sentiment is unsteady, and cancellation rates on contracts have been high for both new and existing homes.
—Diana Olick, CNBC, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for unsteady
Brad Schmitt, The Tennessean, 16 July 2025
As seen in a video shared on social media by royal reporter Rhiannon Mills of Sky News, William also admitted that his device was unsteady.
—Stephanie Petit, People.com, 22 May 2025
So, what will moral and democratic revival look like when the ground beneath is unsteady?
—F. Willis Johnson, Twin Cities, 10 July 2025
Consumer sentiment is unsteady, and cancellation rates on contracts have been high for both new and existing homes.
—Diana Olick, CNBC, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for unsteady
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsteady
Adjective
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Following sporadic touring upon their most recent reformation, The Jesus Lizard increased their live appearances last year, with the group having already completed tours of the U.S., U.K. and Europe in 2025.—
Tyler Jenke,
Billboard,
5 Aug. 2025
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Today's threats can no longer be managed with static cameras and sporadic patrols.—
Freddy Kuo,
Forbes.com,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Not too happy about the volatile nature of PLTR stock?—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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Excluding the volatile food and energy categories, core prices rose 3.1%, up from 2.9% in June.—
Christopher Rugaber,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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People have been urged to avoid entering possibly unstable buildings as aftershocks continued to shake the area, according to the Times.—
Abigail Adams,
People.com,
11 Aug. 2025
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Although the emergency warning was reduced to a less urgent heavy rain warning on Monday afternoon, the Japan Meteorological Agency warned that the soil had become unstable due to the precipitation, leaving the region at an elevated risk of landslides even without excessive rain.—
Trisha Mukherjee,
ABC News,
11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Back in April, Ulta had already slowed its rollout within Target, citing uneven returns and operational friction in certain locations.—
Brian Delp,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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From the outside, staying in these uneven dynamics can look like passivity or even low self-esteem.—
Jenna Ryu,
SELF,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Yet intermittent fasting can upset the menstrual cycle, and women lose muscle mass from caloric restriction more rapidly than men.—
Tad Friend,
New Yorker,
4 Aug. 2025
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If so, intermittent fasting will trigger helpful hormonal changes.—
Bryant Stamford,
The Courier-Journal,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The best time for aurora spotting is 2 am, when the sky is likely to be the darkest, but since the arrival of the solar storm is unpredictable, it's recommended to look throughout the night for the event.—
Staff Author,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Aug. 2025
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Renewables may be homegrown, but their output is inherently unpredictable.—
Andrew Saunders,
Fortune,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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While snow will be limited in the region, Farmers’ Almanac said there’s possibility for several cold rain events and occasional freezing precipitation, especially in northern areas.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 Aug. 2025
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True leadership development isn’t about checking a box with occasional training.—
Brent Gleeson,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Hers is the kind of face that inspires directors to tight framing — gleaming, as if smoothed from marble, and yet somehow pliant, changeful.—
Jordan Kisner Jack Davison,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2022
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Rigorous, blustery winter; winding sleety spring; hot, moist enervating summer; changeful autumn with its dog-days; these are absolutely unknown.—
San Diego Union-Tribune,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 Jan. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Unsteady.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsteady. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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