Shaky (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Vibrating slightly and irregularly; as e.g. with fear or cold or like the leaves of an aspen in a breeze; "a quaking bog"; "the quaking child asked for more"; "quivering leaves of a poplar tree"; "with shaking knees"; "seemed shaky on her feet"; "sparkling light from the shivering crystals of the chandelier"; "trembling hands".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The old wooden bridge felt shaky beneath my feet as I crossed it.
- Her voice was shaky as she tried to explain what had happened.
- The camera was shaky in his hands as he tried to take a steady shot.
- The patient's hand was shaky as she tried to sign the consent form.
- The ladder felt shaky as I climbed up to change the light bulb.
Synonyms
Related Words
Meaning 2
Not secure; beset with difficulties; "a shaky marriage".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The new policy's shaky foundation led to widespread criticism from lawmakers and experts.
- Her shaky voice betrayed her nervousness as she stood before the crowd to give her speech.
- The small business struggled to stay afloat due to its shaky financial situation.
- After a string of public arguments, their shaky marriage became the subject of tabloid gossip.
- The administration's shaky handling of the crisis further eroded public trust in the government.
Synonyms
Related Words
Meaning 3
Inclined to shake as from weakness or defect; "a rickety table"; "a wobbly chair with shaky legs"; "the ladder felt a little wobbly"; "the bridge still stands though one of the arches is wonky".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The old wooden deck was shaky and needed to be repaired before it collapsed.
- After a few too many drinks, her hands were shaky and she struggled to light the candle.
- The earthquake had left the building with a shaky foundation, making it uninhabitable.
- The patient's shaky grip on the walker made it difficult for her to take her first steps after the surgery.
- The rickety staircase with its shaky handrail made me nervous every time I climbed up to the second floor.