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Definition of unsteady

unsteady

/ʌnˈstɛdi/
un · stead · y
Adverb:unsteadily
•
Past Simple:unsteadied
•
Past Participle:unsteadied
•
Present Participle:unsteadying
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unsteady Lexical Profile

unsteady Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Liable to fall, shake, or totter; lacking physical balance or firmness.

Example

"The patient took a few unsteady steps down the hospital corridor before sitting back down."

2

Not regular, constant, or uniform; subject to frequent change, fluctuation, or wavering.

Example

"She spoke in an unsteady voice as she delivered the emotional farewell address."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To make unstable, shaky, or uncertain; to cause to lose physical or emotional balance.

Example

"The sudden gust of wind unsteadied the cyclist as he crossed the narrow bridge."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for unsteady

• Nearby Words

unstatesmanlike
unsteadily
unsteadiness
unsteady
unsterilized
unstick
unstifled

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'unstede' ('unstable'), later reformed in Middle English from the prefix 'un-' and 'steady' (derived from Old English 'stede', meaning 'place' or 'standing').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Unsteady. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/unsteady
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