Unsteady: meaning, definitions and examples

When something or someone lacks stability, often moving or changing in an unpredictable way.

• Her legs felt unsteady after the long run.
• The ladder seemed unsteady as he climbed it.

When something is not steady and is prone to change or collapse, often used for physical objects or conditions.

• The shelf seemed unstable with all the books on it.
• The political situation in the country is very unstable.

When something or someone is physically trembling or not steady, often due to weakness or anxiety.

• Her hands were shaky from the cold.
• After the accident, he felt shaky for hours.

When something is not firm and moves slightly from side to side, often used for objects and sometimes people.

• The chair was wobbly and needed fixing.
• After getting off the roller coaster, she felt a bit wobbly.

When someone feels uncertain or lacks confidence, often about themselves or their position.

• He felt insecure about his presentation.
• She was insecure about her relationships.

When a situation or position is dangerously unstable or uncertain, often implying risk.

• The climber found himself in a precarious position on the cliff.
• Their finances were in a precarious state.

Use when something or someone lacks stability, physically or metaphorically. Commonly used to describe movement or situations.

• The chair was unsteady and wobbled when he sat on it.
• Her steps were unsteady because she had just recovered from an illness.

Use when describing someone or something that cannot be depended upon. This has a negative connotation.

• He is an unreliable friend who often cancels plans last minute.
• The old car has become unreliable and breaks down frequently.

Apply when expressing uncertainty or lack of conviction about something. Often used in contexts involving opinions, decisions, or outcomes.

• She was doubtful about the success of the new project.
• He looked doubtful when asked if he could finish the task on time.

Choose this word to describe something that does not stay the same in quality, behavior, or performance. It often carries a negative connotation.

• His performance at work has been inconsistent lately.
• The data from the experiments was inconsistent, leading to inconclusive results.

Best for situations or people whose behavior or outcomes are hard to foresee. This can refer to both positive and negative unpredictability.

• The weather in this region is highly unpredictable.
• His unpredictable nature makes it hard to rely on him.