WordGarden.ioshaky
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʃˈeɪki/
US
- /ˈʃeɪki/
Meanings
Adjective
trembling or physically unsteady
not firm, stable, or reliable
not confident or secure in what one knows or can do
Beyond the definition
If your hands are shaky after a stressful situation, it means they are trembling or unsteady. But shaky is not just about physical movement. A shaky plan is one that feels uncertain and might not work. Think of a wobbly table - that is shaky, too.
You might describe someone's voice as shaky if they are nervous, or a building as shaky after an earthquake. The word suggests a lack of firmness or reliability. It can also describe something less physical, like a shaky agreement between two groups, meaning it is weak and could easily fall apart.
The word shaky describes something that is unstable, trembling, or not fully solid, both physically and figuratively. It suggests that something could fail, collapse, or go wrong. For example, describing an old bridge as shaky suggests that the structure is unsteady and may be dangerous to cross.
As an adjective, shaky often describes physical tremors: "Her hands were shaky with fear." However, the term extends far beyond physical movement. A shaky economy is one that's unstable and prone to downturns, while a shaky argument is one built on weak evidence or flawed reasoning.
You might say someone has a "shaky reputation" if people are not sure they can be trusted, or describe a relationship as being "on shaky ground" when it is facing serious difficulties. The word often implies a risky situation where things could easily go wrong. Think of a poorly built tower of blocks - it looks shaky and is likely to fall with the slightest disturbance.
So, whether it describes a physical tremor, an unstable situation, or a weak argument, shaky always points to a lack of firmness, reliability, or security. It is a word that carries a sense of weakness and possible failure.
Examples
- 1
Physical condition
After being sick all week, I still felt shaky when I got out of bed.
- 2
Hands
Her hands were shaky as she signed the form.
- 3
Relationship
Their relationship has seemed shaky lately.
- 4
Finances
The company is in a shaky financial position.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Excuse
His excuse sounded shaky from the start.
- 6
Memory
I'm a bit shaky on the names, but I remember everyone's faces.
- Patternshaky on + subject/details
not knowing or remembering it very well
- 7
Risky situation
After the second delay, the whole deal was on shaky ground.
- Phraseon shaky ground
in an uncertain or risky situation
See also
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- shakyadjective
Forms
- shakiercomparativeadjective
- shakiestsuperlativeadjective