as in instability
the quality or state of not being firmly fixed in position
blamed the poor quality of the video on the tripod's unsteadiness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in sporadic
lacking in steadiness or regularity of occurrence
a year of unsteady economic growth
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in uneven
not staying constant
unsteady business conditions that rattled investors
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unsteadiness
PC Magazine, 14 Aug. 2025
These lakes can exist behind unsteady dams made of ice or bedrock, and when these dams fail, the water rushes out, often resulting in catastrophic downstream flooding.
—Doyle Rice, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
But the existing options have continued to be unsteady.
—Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2025
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders threw two touchdown passes in his first NFL preseason game Friday night, shocking many fans after an unsteady start to his NFL career.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unsteadiness
Adjective
That doesn't mean the Avata 2 is unsteady, however.
—PC Magazine, 14 Aug. 2025
These lakes can exist behind unsteady dams made of ice or bedrock, and when these dams fail, the water rushes out, often resulting in catastrophic downstream flooding.
—Doyle Rice, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
But the existing options have continued to be unsteady.
—Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2025
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders threw two touchdown passes in his first NFL preseason game Friday night, shocking many fans after an unsteady start to his NFL career.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unsteadiness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsteadiness
Noun
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Its nuclear dimension raises the risk of a nuclear war in the Middle East at a time when the region is rocked by instability and conflict spanning Israel, Gaza, Iran, Lebanon, and Syria in particular.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Sep. 2025
-
More instability is likely ahead.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Humberto Leon, of Opening Ceremony, acted as something of a business mentor; Jennifer Sabel, a casting director and longtime friend, provided sporadic, informal investments—a couple thousand dollars here and there, with no strings attached.—
Ana Karina Zatarain,
New Yorker,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Over in Grand Rapids, there’s sporadic pushback on fluoridation, said water system manager Wayne Jernberg.—
Anna Clark,
ProPublica,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
In such a volatile climate, remarks that appear dismissive or insensitive can end careers, as networks and broadcasters face mounting pressure to act.—
Martha McHardy
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Relief pitching might be among the more volatile areas if not the department offering the most volatility.—
Larry Fleisher,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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These were detected by comparing 562 pairs of satellite images (resolution <1 m/pixel) of 74 unstable sites taken at different times.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Sep. 2025
-
According to Brandon’s family, his condition remains unstable.—
Escher Walcott,
PEOPLE,
20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Their offense has looked uneven, especially in the passing game under Arch Manning, who has thrown for about 579 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Sep. 2025
-
Omni-Grip traction on these shoes keeps you steady on slick or uneven terrain, while cushioning with high-energy return helps power each step.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
This portion of work will require closing northbound Airport Road for the duration of the project, with intermittent closures on I-94 at night.—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
21 Sep. 2025
-
Speaking to Newsweek, Micklos said that quitting alcohol, walking regularly, intermittent fasting, and prioritizing sleep and hydration were key to transforming his health and mindset.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
How to survive the fast food temptation Life is unpredictable.—
Michiko Tomioka,
CNBC,
19 Sep. 2025
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Energy costs remain unpredictable, and regulators are raising the bar.—
Ron Schmelzer,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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It’s located in an oak knoll for peak tranquility, surrounded by olive trees and verdant plants and visited by the occasional deer.—
Elly Leavitt,
Vogue,
20 Sep. 2025
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However, there has been the occasional homeless person who wanders onto the property and needs to be redirected or community member who wants to attend the mass, not realizing the service is for the school kids only.—
Lou Ponsi,
Oc Register,
19 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unsteadiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsteadiness. Accessed 24 Sep. 2025.
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