Rickety: meaning, definitions and examples

physical condition

The term 'rickety' describes something that is weak, unstable, or in a state of disrepair. It often refers to structures like furniture, buildings, or machinery that are shaky and not sturdy. For example, a rickety chair may creak and wobble when someone sits on it. Additionally, the word can be used metaphorically to describe a situation or system that lacks stability or reliability, indicating that something is on the verge of collapse or failure.

dilapidated, shaky, unstable, wobbly

Examples of usage

• The rickety old bridge swayed in the wind.

• After years of neglect, the house had become rickety and unlivable.

• She hesitated before climbing onto the rickety ladder.

• The rickety cart struggled to make it up the hill.