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
Synonyms
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
The basic reality is this entire generation that’s been born outside of the country, oftentimes their Vietnamese is shaky to nonexistent.
—
Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2024
And while a measure of sentiment produced by the Conference Board improved in May, the survey showed that expectations remained shaky.
—Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 30 May 2024
Meanwhile, workers like Alejo continue down a shaky path.
—Megan Janetsky, Fortune, 27 May 2024
The addictive fun of the first few seasons (plus the sizzling chemistry between Oh and Comer) was enough to make this must-see TV, even through the shakier final season.
—Kevin Jacobsen and Sarah Perchikoff, EW.com, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for shaky 
Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2024
And while a measure of sentiment produced by the Conference Board improved in May, the survey showed that expectations remained shaky.
—Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 30 May 2024
Meanwhile, workers like Alejo continue down a shaky path.
—Megan Janetsky, Fortune, 27 May 2024
The addictive fun of the first few seasons (plus the sizzling chemistry between Oh and Comer) was enough to make this must-see TV, even through the shakier final season.
—Kevin Jacobsen and Sarah Perchikoff, EW.com, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for shaky
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shaky.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near shaky
Cite this Entry
“Shaky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shaky. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.
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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