Shakiness: meaning, definitions and examples

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shakiness

[ˈʃeɪkiːnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling of instability

Shakiness refers to the state of being unsteady or unstable. It can manifest as trembling or quivering movements, often due to fear, anxiety, weakness, or illness.

Synonyms

instability, quivering, trembling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shakiness	Often describes a state of not being steady, can refer to physical condition, emotional state, or reliability of something. She could feel the shakiness in her legs after the long hike. There is a noticeable shakiness in his voice when he speaks in public. The project's financial shakiness worried the investors.
instability	Refers to a lack of stability, which can be physical, emotional, political, or financial. Often used in more formal or serious contexts. The political instability in the country has caused widespread concern. Her emotional instability made it hard for her to maintain relationships. The instability of the structure made it dangerous to enter.
trembling	Describes an involuntary motion caused by cold, fear, or excitement. Often used to evoke a physical reaction to strong emotions or physical conditions. He was trembling in the cold winter air. She opened the letter with trembling hands. His voice was trembling with emotion.
quivering	Describes a slight, rapid, and often repetitive motion, typically used to describe something alive or sensitive, such as body parts or delicate objects. Her hands were quivering with excitement. The leaves were quivering in the gentle breeze. His lips were quivering as he tried not to cry.

Examples of usage

The old man's shakiness made it difficult for him to walk steadily.
She felt a sense of shakiness in her hands as she approached the stage to give a speech.
The shakiness in her voice revealed her nervousness during the interview.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

lack of firmness

Shakiness can also refer to a lack of firmness or stability in a situation or decision. It implies a wavering or uncertain nature.

Synonyms

indecision, instability, uncertainty.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shakiness	Repetition detected. Please refer to the first 'shakiness' entry.
uncertainty	Used to describe a situation or condition where something is not known or is unpredictable. This term is commonly used in a wide range of contexts from everyday life to scientific research. The uncertainty of the weather made planning the picnic quite difficult. Economic uncertainty often leads to caution in the stock market.
indecision	Refers to the inability to make a decision quickly and confidently. This term is often used in contexts involving choices and judgement. His indecision about which job offer to accept cost him both opportunities. Her indecision kept them waiting for hours while she chose a dress.
instability	Describes a lack of stability, which can refer to physical, emotional, political, or economic states. This word often has a negative connotation. The political instability in the region has led to widespread uncertainty and fear. After the breakup, she experienced a period of emotional instability.

Examples of usage

The shakiness of the economy has led to concerns about future investments.
His shakiness in commitments made it hard for others to trust him.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Shakiness can be a sign of anxiety, where the body reacts to stress and makes you feel jittery.
During moments of excitement or fear, your body might shake due to adrenaline rush, showing how emotions impact physical sensations.
Some people experience shakiness as a symptom of low blood sugar, which can cause feelings of weakness and trembling.

Science

In physics, shakiness relates to vibrations, which can occur in structures during earthquakes.
The principle of resonance explains how certain frequencies can make objects shake, like how a glass may break when exposed to a specific song.
Shakiness on a microscopic level describes how particles behave, which can lead to changes in states of matter under certain conditions.

Literature

In many stories, characters may experience shakiness as a metaphor for their internal conflict or turmoil.
Poets often use shakiness to depict instability in emotions, creating a vivid image of uncertainty.
Shakiness can symbolize the fragility of life in literature, highlighting how quickly things can change.

Health

Certain health conditions, like Parkinson's disease, can cause noticeable shakiness in a person's hands or limbs.
Caffeine consumption can lead to temporary shakiness, as it stimulates the nervous system.
Medications for various ailments sometimes list shakiness as a side effect, indicating how they can interact with the nervous system.

Pop Culture

Shakiness is often depicted in movies to create tension, especially during horror or action scenes.
In modern dance, performers might incorporate deliberate shakiness to express emotional intensity.
Musical artists sometimes use shaky vocal techniques to convey raw emotion in their performances, stirring audience reactions.

Translations

Translations of the word "shakiness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tremor

🇮🇳 कंपकंपी (kampakampi)

🇩🇪 Zittern

🇮🇩 getaran

🇺🇦 тремтіння

🇵🇱 drżenie

🇯🇵 震え (furue)

🇫🇷 tremblement

🇪🇸 temblor

🇹🇷 titreme

🇰🇷 떨림 (tteollim)

🇸🇦 ارتعاش (irtiaash)

🇨🇿 třes

🇸🇰 trasenie

🇨🇳 颤抖 (chàndǒu)

🇸🇮 tresenje

🇮🇸 skjálfti

🇰🇿 дірілдеу

🇬🇪 აკანკალება (akankaleba)

🇦🇿 titrəmə

🇲🇽 temblor

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,017, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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38014 trivet
38015 toots
38016 ladybug
38017 shakiness
38018 frosh
38019 polemically
38020 disconfirm
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