WordGarden.iounsteadiness
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnstˈɛdɪnəs/
US
Meanings
Noun
lack of physical balance or firmness; shakiness
lack of reliability, consistency, or evenness
nervous or emotional shakiness; lack of composure
Beyond the definition
This word is not only about physically wobbling, though it can be. It describes a lack of stability in movement, feelings, or even a situation. Think of a toddler taking first steps and trying to keep balance. You could also use it for a difficult period in life or for a situation that feels uncertain and likely to change. It suggests that something is not firm or settled and could easily go off balance. A sailor on rough seas may feel it in the body, while someone going through hard changes may feel it emotionally.
Unsteadiness refers to a lack of stability or firmness. It is the quality of being shaky, wavering, or not fully secure. It can appear in many ways and is not limited to physical balance. You might describe an older person's walk as affected by it because of age or illness ("His unsteadiness made him rely on a cane"), but the word also applies to less physical things.
Consider the financial markets: periods of rapid change and uncertainty are often marked by economic unsteadiness. Or think about someone struggling with grief; they might experience emotional unsteadiness, moving between sadness, anger, and acceptance. A character in a novel facing a moral dilemma could also show inner unsteadiness, with doubts and a lack of certainty.
The word often suggests a temporary state, something unstable now but able to regain balance later. However, it can also point to a more lasting condition. A long period of political unsteadiness might lead to social unrest, while ongoing emotional unsteadiness could be a sign of deeper mental health concerns.
So, whether describing a wobbly table leg, a rough journey, or a fragile state of mind, unsteadiness points to a lack of solid footing and a risk of being thrown off course.
Examples
- 1
Medical side effect
The medicine can cause dizziness and unsteadiness, especially in older patients.
- 2
Standing up
After standing up too quickly, he felt a sudden unsteadiness in his legs.
- 3
Medical observation
The doctor noticed a slight unsteadiness in her hand when she tried to write.
- 4
Emotional voice
There was a hint of unsteadiness in his voice as he apologized.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Political climate
Months of political unsteadiness made foreign companies delay their investment plans.
See also
Similar
- instability
- shakiness
- wobbliness
Shades of meaning
- imbalance
- volatility
- precariousness
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- unsteadiness on your feet
- gait unsteadiness
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unsteadinessnoun