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.
According to a recent survey published by Deloitte, consumer sentiment remains shaky, with 57% of Americans expecting the economy to worsen in the next six months — the highest figure the company has reported since 2020. Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026 But Norman, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, has benefited from his opponent’s shaky performance in the special election runoff’s only debate. David Weigel, semafor.com, 24 Aug. 2026 Still, some parents say the process remains unclear — and express hesitation on relying on shaky state funds. Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026 Díaz, the club’s $69-million offseason prize, blew three save opportunities and was plagued by shaky outings after returning from elbow surgery. Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 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 31 Aug. 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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