Unsteady Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unsteady

[ʌnˈstɛdi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

balance

Not firmly fixed, supported, or balanced; unstable.

Synonyms

insecure, precarious, shaky, unstable, wobbly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unsteady	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.
unstable	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.
shaky	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.
wobbly	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.
insecure	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.
precarious	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.

Examples of usage

The unsteady table wobbled as I placed my drink on it.
He walked unsteadily across the icy pavement.
The unsteady ladder made me nervous to climb it.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

emotions

Not firm, reliable, or trustworthy.

Synonyms

doubtful, inconsistent, unpredictable, unreliable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unsteady	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.
unreliable	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.
doubtful	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.
inconsistent	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.
unpredictable	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.

Examples of usage

I could sense the unsteady tone in his voice.
Her unsteady behavior made me question her intentions.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Feelings of being unsteady can relate to anxiety, as worry often makes people feel less balanced emotionally.
Research shows that people perceiving situations as unsteady may react more cautiously in decision-making.

Pop Culture

In songs and movies, characters often describe their unsteady feelings when they experience love, fear, or change.
The term frequently appears in lyrics to signify emotional turbulence, representing moments of vulnerability.

Science

In physics, an object is described as unsteady when forces are uneven, like a car when it’s going around a curve.
Some animals are unsteady when learning to walk, like puppies who wobble before gaining their balance.

Literature

Authors use 'unsteady' to evoke feelings of uncertainty in characters, enhancing emotional tension in their narratives.
It often highlights a character's internal struggle, showing how they teeter between different choices or emotions.

Origin of 'unsteady'

Main points about word origin

The word 'unsteady' comes from the combination of 'un,' meaning not, and 'steady,' which means firm or stable.
It has been used in English since the late 15th century, capturing the idea of instability.

The word 'unsteady' originated from the Old English word 'unstæðig', which means not firm or stable. Over time, the word evolved to its current form, maintaining its core meaning of lacking stability or reliability. The concept of being unsteady can be applied to physical objects, emotions, or situations that are not secure or dependable.

See also: steadiness, steadying, unsteadiness.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,139, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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14136 textures
14137 oxidizing
14138 pornography
14139 unsteady
14140 betting
14141 gotta
14142 overthrown
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