Wonky: meaning, definitions and examples

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wonky

[ˈwɒŋki ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

informal

Unstable or shaky; not functioning correctly.

Synonyms

faulty, shaky, unreliable, unstable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wonky	Use this term informally to describe something that is not working correctly or is out of alignment. The table leg is a bit wonky. Her explanation seems a little wonky.
unstable	This term indicates that something is prone to change or collapse, often referring to physical, emotional, or structural states. The structure is unstable and needs repairing. She has been emotionally unstable since the incident.
shaky	Use this term to describe something that is physically unsteady or weak, not firm or stable, and can also refer to uncertain situations. The ladder feels shaky. His confidence seemed a bit shaky during the presentation.
faulty	This word refers to something that has defects or is not functioning properly, often used in technical or mechanical contexts. The engine has a faulty part. The faulty wiring caused the lights to flicker.
unreliable	This word is used to describe someone or something that cannot be depended upon, often relating to people or systems. This old car is quite unreliable. The information from that source is unreliable.

Examples of usage

The wonky table kept wobbling every time someone touched it.
The wonky wheel on the shopping cart made it difficult to steer.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

informal

Strange or odd in a way that is amusing or ridiculous.

Synonyms

bizarre, eccentric, odd, quirky.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wonky	Typically used to describe something that is unstable, crooked, or not functioning correctly. The chair leg is a bit wonky; I think I need to fix it. The software update made my computer wonky.
quirky	Describes something or someone that is charmingly unusual or has a unique, playful, or distinctive character. She has a quirky sense of style, always mixing bold patterns. The coffee shop has a quirky décor with colorful furniture.
eccentric	Describes a person or behavior that is unconventional and slightly strange, often in an endearing or intriguing way. He's known for his eccentric behavior, like wearing two different shoes. The artist is quite eccentric, always coming up with unusual ideas.
odd	Generally used to describe something that is unusual or different from what is normal or expected, often with a neutral to slightly negative connotation. There's something odd about the way he talks to his cat. The car made an odd noise, so I took it to the mechanic.
bizarre	Used when something is very strange or unusual in a way that shocks or surprises people. Her outfit was so bizarre that everyone at the party couldn't stop staring. The movie had a bizarre plot that no one could understand.

Examples of usage

The comedian's wonky sense of humor always made the audience laugh.
The movie had a wonky plot twist that no one saw coming.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'wonky' originated in British English in the 1970s and is believed to be derived from the word 'wonk', meaning to be unsteady.
It was initially used to describe something that is weak or unreliable, especially in the context of furniture.

Pop Culture

Using 'wonky' has become popular in various TV shows and movies, often to describe quirky characters or situations.
The term appears in British children's literature, illustrating the imagination and creativity in storytelling.

Psychology

People often use 'wonky' to express disorganization in thoughts or feelings, which can help lighten the mood when discussing difficult subjects.
Describing something as 'wonky' might reflect a more flexible, open-minded approach to handling unexpected situations.

Science

In science, techniques or models are sometimes described as 'wonky' if they are not performing as expected or if their accuracy is questionable.
The word has been used in discussions on climate science to describe unexpected data or results that don't fit well with established theories.

Literature

'Wonky' is often used in poetry and prose to convey a sense of whimsy or playfulness in language, allowing authors to express unconventional ideas.
In children's books, 'wonky' characters and scenarios help create engaging narratives that encourage imagination.

Translations

Translations of the word "wonky" in other languages:

🇵🇹 instável

🇮🇳 अस्थिर

🇩🇪 wackelig

🇮🇩 goyah

🇺🇦 хиткий

🇵🇱 chwiejny

🇯🇵 ぐらついた

🇫🇷 bancal

🇪🇸 inestable

🇹🇷 sallantılı

🇰🇷 불안정한

🇸🇦 غير مستقر

🇨🇿 nestabilní

🇸🇰 nestabilný

🇨🇳 不稳定的

🇸🇮 nestabilen

🇮🇸 óstöðugur

🇰🇿 тұрақсыз

🇬🇪 არასაიმედო

🇦🇿 sabit deyil

🇲🇽 inestable

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,962, 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.

...
38959 muralist
38960 haughtiest
38961 denationalized
38962 wonky
38963 walloped
38964 yucky
38965 biddy
...