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
shakily adverb
shakiness noun

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.
The 20-year-old Gauff overcame a shaky start and a total of 32 unforced errors and nine double faults to secure her 11th first-round win at a major in the last 12 Grand Slams. Manasi Pathak, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025 In these shaky times, investors can enhance their portfolio returns by adding stocks backed by solid financials and long-term growth opportunities. Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 12 Jan. 2025 And safety Jordon Poyer turned out to be shaky as did a few other newcomers. Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2025 On a team that has been shaky, Westbrook is consistently supplying the fun, even when the main attraction is absent. Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near shaky

Cite this Entry

“Shaky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shaky. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids 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
shakily adverb
shakiness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on shaky

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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