shakier; shakiest
1
: characterized by shakes
shaky timber
2
a
: lacking stability : precarious
a shaky economy
performed well after a shaky start
b
: lacking in firmness (as of beliefs or principles)
c
: lacking in authority or reliability : questionable
shaky experimental procedures
shaky data
3
a
: somewhat unsound in health
b
: characterized by shaking
4
: likely to give way or break down
Examples of shaky in a Sentence
She took a few shaky steps before she collapsed.
Her commitment to the cause seems shaky.
Their marriage is on shaky ground.
The team has performed better lately after getting off to a shaky start.
Recent Examples on the Web
In March, as President Trump talked up his plan to impose double-digit tariffs on most countries around the world, a clutch of major U.S. airlines dimmed their 2025 forecasts, citing dipping consumer confidence and shaky macroeconomic conditions.
—
Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Following a slew of injuries and shaky performances, the team has little choice but to add at least one relief arm in the near future.
—Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025
After a shaky first year, Colbert found his footing in the lead-up to the 2016 election by focusing his opening monologues more pointedly on politics.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 18 July 2025
Unfortunately, their shakedown cruise was a little too shaky.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for shaky
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Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Following a slew of injuries and shaky performances, the team has little choice but to add at least one relief arm in the near future.
—Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025
After a shaky first year, Colbert found his footing in the lead-up to the 2016 election by focusing his opening monologues more pointedly on politics.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 18 July 2025
Unfortunately, their shakedown cruise was a little too shaky.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for shaky
Cite this Entry
“Shaky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shaky. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
shaky
adjective
shakier; shakiest
1
a
: lacking firmness
b
: lacking in authority or reliability : questionable
shaky data
2
: marked by shaking : trembling
3
: likely to give way or break down
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