WordGarden.ioshakily
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʃˈeɪkɪli/
US
Meanings
Adverb
in a trembling or unsteady physical way
with a trembling or hesitant voice; nervously
in an unstable, weak, or uncertain way
Beyond the definition
Imagine trying to stand on ice: that wobbly, unsteady feeling is what "shakily" describes. It tells us that something happens with visible shaking or a lack of steadiness. A person might shakily reach for a glass of water after hearing bad news, or walk shakily after a long, exhausting run. The word often suggests weakness, fear, shock, or tiredness. You would not use it for something calm and firm, but it fits well when a hand, voice, step, or movement is not fully steady. It adds detail to the way something is done, not just to what happens.
"Shakily" is an adverb that describes how something is done with trembling or unsteadiness. It gives the sense that a person, object, or movement is not fully under control and may fail, fall, or break down. It means more than simply moving a little. It usually suggests a clear struggle to stay steady, balanced, or calm.
You might see someone shakily sign their name after an upsetting moment, their hand showing their nerves. A person might shakily raise a cup to their lips after being injured or shocked. Someone can also speak shakily when fear, cold, or emotion affects their voice. The word is often used for physical actions, but it can also show an inner state through the body.
The power of "shakily" lies in how clearly it shows weakness, tension, or uncertainty. It tells the reader that the shaking matters and affects the action itself. A confident walk would not be done shakily, but a hesitant step after an injury might be. In stories and everyday English, the word helps show instability, fear, illness, tiredness, or emotional strain in a simple, vivid way.
Examples
- 1
Physical weakness
She stood up shakily after being sick all morning.
- 2
Nervous speech
"I'm fine," he said shakily, though his hands were still trembling.
- 3
Handwriting
The old woman signed the form shakily at the bottom.
- 4
Performance start
The band started the concert shakily, but they soon relaxed.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Fragile agreement
The peace agreement held shakily for a few months.
- Phraseheld shakily
continued, but not in a strong or stable way
See also
Similar
- unsteadily
- tremblingly
- falteringly
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- walk shakily
- stand shakily
- speak shakily
- smile shakily
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- shakilyadverb