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
Prediction: Oregon 38, Penn State 28 ACC Championship Game: No. 17 Clemson vs No. 8 SMU
After a shaky start to the year, the Tigers have battled back.
—
Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024
However, when doubts creep in at the first signs of struggle or conflict, their commitment falters due to a shaky emotional foundation.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
While the Raiders have largely been a disappointing team, Bowers leads the league in receptions with 84 and is fourth in receiving yards all with shaky quarterback play.
—Ben Morse, CNN, 4 Dec. 2024
Saint-Martin warned that the fall of the government would raise the risk premium on French government debt that has reached rare heights because of the country’s shaky financial situation.
—Jane Thier, Fortune Europe, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for shaky 
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.
Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024
However, when doubts creep in at the first signs of struggle or conflict, their commitment falters due to a shaky emotional foundation.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
While the Raiders have largely been a disappointing team, Bowers leads the league in receptions with 84 and is fourth in receiving yards all with shaky quarterback play.
—Ben Morse, CNN, 4 Dec. 2024
Saint-Martin warned that the fall of the government would raise the risk premium on French government debt that has reached rare heights because of the country’s shaky financial situation.
—Jane Thier, Fortune Europe, 2 Dec. 2024
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 21 Dec. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share