1
as in sporadic
lacking in steadiness or regularity of occurrence
a year of unsteady economic growth
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in volatile
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly
in the days of sailing ships, mariners were constantly at the mercy of unsteady winds
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3
as in unstable
not being in or able to maintain a state of balance
cautiously climbed up the unsteady ladder
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4
as in uneven
not staying constant
unsteady business conditions that rattled investors
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unsteady
But the exact wording of the sermon itself—copied by a scribe in an unsteady calligraphy—has been the subject of debate since at least the late 1500s.
—
Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 July 2025
As Iran and Israel enter a ceasefire on June 24, the future of the conflict and U.S. involvement remains on unsteady ground, following Iran's retaliatory strike on an overseas U.S. military base one day prior.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 24 June 2025
At the scene, Durham appeared to be unsteady on his feet, slurred his speech and had dilated pupils, according to an arrest affidavit.
—Brad Schmitt, The Tennessean, 16 July 2025
As seen in a video shared on social media by royal reporter Rhiannon Mills of Sky News, William also admitted that his device was unsteady.
—Stephanie Petit, People.com, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unsteady
Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 July 2025
As Iran and Israel enter a ceasefire on June 24, the future of the conflict and U.S. involvement remains on unsteady ground, following Iran's retaliatory strike on an overseas U.S. military base one day prior.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 24 June 2025
At the scene, Durham appeared to be unsteady on his feet, slurred his speech and had dilated pupils, according to an arrest affidavit.
—Brad Schmitt, The Tennessean, 16 July 2025
As seen in a video shared on social media by royal reporter Rhiannon Mills of Sky News, William also admitted that his device was unsteady.
—Stephanie Petit, People.com, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unsteady
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsteady
Adjective
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Because of the sporadic nature of the thunderstorms, the severity and impact of the monsoon can vary season to season In Tucson, Arizona, so far this monsoon season has only produced just under 2 inches of rain as of Friday, which is among the drier monsoon seasons on record.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
30 Aug. 2025
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Remaining band members Mike Shinoda, Dave Farrell, Brad Delson and Joe Hahn made sporadic appearances in the last seven years, and now new lead vocalist Emily Armstrong is hoping to carry on Bennington’s legacy while writing a new chapter with the band.—
Joseph Hernandez
August 29,
Kansas City Star,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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CEOs who recognize the strategic importance of cybersecurity will not only protect their organizations from financial and reputational damage but also gain a competitive edge in an increasingly volatile digital landscape.—
Francis Dinha,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
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Nationally, the president’s tariffs have been accompanied by the highest egg prices the country has ever seen and a volatile stock market captive to erratic moves such as firing government statisticians.—
Lluvia Gaucin,
IndyStar,
26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Although the emergency warning was reduced to a less urgent heavy rain warning on Monday afternoon, the Japan Meteorological Agency warned that the soil had become unstable due to the precipitation, leaving the region at an elevated risk of landslides even without excessive rain.—
Trisha Mukherjee,
ABC News,
11 Aug. 2025
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People have been urged to avoid entering possibly unstable buildings as aftershocks continued to shake the area, according to the Times.—
Abigail Adams,
People.com,
11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Some days my skin glows, and on others stress, and life’s ebbs and flows, bring breakouts, sun spots, dryness, and uneven texture.—
Micaela English,
Flow Space,
27 Aug. 2025
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Its floating cut disc adapts effortlessly to uneven terrain, aiming to promote a smooth, even trim while reducing the risk of scalping.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The rapper’s intermittent social media posts were ultimately followed by his Thursday morning arrest.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
22 Aug. 2025
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An experienced hiker who had completed several solo trips in challenging conditions, Luhn knew cell service would be spotty and warned his wife any communications from inside the park would be intermittent.—
Mitchell McCluskey,
CNN Money,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Enjoy the unpredictable and the unknown, which is where wonder and curiosity and adventure unfold.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
20 Aug. 2025
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But humanitarian logistics operates in far more volatile and unpredictable environments.—
Cynthia Tully,
Forbes.com,
19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Engaging in occasional freelance projects or volunteering can also keep you active in the field.—
Johnny C. Taylor Jr,
USA Today,
27 Aug. 2025
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Debate and occasional messiness is part of normal partisan politics.—
David Weigel,
semafor.com,
27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Hers is the kind of face that inspires directors to tight framing — gleaming, as if smoothed from marble, and yet somehow pliant, changeful.—
Jordan Kisner Jack Davison,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2022
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Rigorous, blustery winter; winding sleety spring; hot, moist enervating summer; changeful autumn with its dog-days; these are absolutely unknown.—
San Diego Union-Tribune,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 Jan. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Unsteady.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsteady. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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