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
Heading into the quarterly results, Wall Street’s confidence has been shaky.
—
Christina Cheddar Berk, CNBC, 5 Feb. 2025
One Reddit user claims to have received access on their iPhone 16 Pro, but so far, the experience has been shaky, with inconsistent connection to the Starlink satellites.
—Michael Kan, PCMAG, 29 Jan. 2025
Billy Ray Cyrus raises eyebrows:Fans took note of his shaky performance at post-inauguration Liberty Ball
Trace Cyrus' original message came days after Billy Ray Cyrus performed at an event following Trump's inauguration.
—Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025
Though Zverev’s serve was as strong as ever, the rest of the game, particularly his forehand, was shakier, allowing Sinner to control the first set.
—Issy Ronald, CNN, 26 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for shaky 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Christina Cheddar Berk, CNBC, 5 Feb. 2025
One Reddit user claims to have received access on their iPhone 16 Pro, but so far, the experience has been shaky, with inconsistent connection to the Starlink satellites.
—Michael Kan, PCMAG, 29 Jan. 2025
Billy Ray Cyrus raises eyebrows:Fans took note of his shaky performance at post-inauguration Liberty Ball
Trace Cyrus' original message came days after Billy Ray Cyrus performed at an event following Trump's inauguration.
—Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025
Though Zverev’s serve was as strong as ever, the rest of the game, particularly his forehand, was shakier, allowing Sinner to control the first set.
—Issy Ronald, CNN, 26 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for shaky
Dictionary Entries Near shaky
Cite this Entry
“Shaky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shaky. Accessed 11 Feb. 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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