shakier; shakiest
Synonyms of shakynext
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
a shaky ladder

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Rangers and Astros are shaky (but that might be enough in the AL West). Tim Britton, New York Times, 1 July 2026 The American democratic experiment stands on shaky ground. Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026 On the men's side, defending champion Jannik Sinner remains the favorite despite a shaky five-set opening victory. Michel Martin, NPR, 30 June 2026 Generation Z came up with active-shooter drills, a pandemic that shut down their schools, climate dread, nonstop digital comparison, shaky job markets, and a front-row view of older workers burning out. Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for shaky

Word History

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shaky was in 1703

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shaky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shaky. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

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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