wonky

1 of 2

adjective (1)

ˈwäŋ-kē 

ˈwȯŋ-

wonkier; wonkiest

US

: characteristic of, relating to, or suggestive of a wonk: such as

a

: preoccupied with arcane details or procedures in a specialized field

She can get wonky about the economy when she wants to, but what sets her apart is her ability to tell a coherent, populist story about it in a way that other members of her party are either unwilling or unable to do.

—Rebecca Traister

b

: used by or appealing to wonks

… one of those politicians who actually find pleasure in the often-wonky details of public policy.

—John Powers

wonkiness noun

wonky

2 of 2

adjective (2)

won·​ky ˈwäŋ-kē 

wonkier; wonkiest

1

British : unsteady, shaky

2

chiefly British : awry, wrong

Examples of wonky in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Next up is the reopening of the wonky Palladian wonder that is Penicuik House. —Liam Hess, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2025

There is a vast difference between the gleaming rows of piano-key teeth that have overtaken our screens in the last decade and basic orthodontia that corrects the wonky bites and crowding that can lead to gum inflammation, jaw pain and headaches, even tooth loss over time. —Valerie Monroe, Allure, 28 Mar. 2025

But Derik Queen, the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and an exceptional member of this successful Maryland season, nailed a wonky leaner off one foot that kissed off the glass. —Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 24 Mar. 2025

Supplemental Security Income payment schedule is wonky to start 2025: What to know All sites within Jimmy Carter National Historical Park in Plains, Georgia, will have extended hours through Thursday, according to park officials. —Addy Bink, The Hill, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (2)

probably alteration of English dialect wankle, from Middle English wankel, from Old English wancol; akin to Old High German wankōn to totter — more at wench

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

1978, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

1918, in the meaning defined at sense 1