Shaky
/ˈʃeɪki/
Definitions
2 meaningsUnsteady or trembling; liable to shake or be shaken.
/ˈʃeɪki/
Unsteady or trembling
The earthquake left the buildings shaky.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're really nervous before giving a presentation. Your voice might be a little shaky, like it wants to tremble.
👶 For kids: Wobbly or not steady, like when you're trying to balance on one foot!
More Examples
His voice was shaky with emotion.
She took a shaky breath before walking on stage.
How It's Used
"His hands were shaky from the cold."
"She gave a shaky smile, trying to hide her fear."
Likely to fail or collapse; unreliable; precarious.
/ˈʃeɪki/
Unreliable or precarious
The evidence presented in court was shaky.
💡 Simply: Imagine a building on a weak foundation. That building is on shaky ground because it is not steady or reliable.
👶 For kids: Not safe or strong, like a tower of blocks that might fall.
More Examples
Their marriage was on shaky ground.
The economy is in a shaky state.
How It's Used
"The company's financial situation is shaky."
"They were on shaky ground after their argument."
Idioms & expressions
shaky hands
Hands that are trembling or unsteady.
"She had shaky hands because she was nervous."
on shaky ground
In a risky or uncertain situation; not secure or stable.
"Their relationship was on shaky ground after the argument."
From Middle English *shakie*, equivalent to shake + -y. Originally referred to being unstable or tremulous.
The word has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to physical instability.
Memory tip
Think of a person who is scared. Their body may be shaky.
Word Origin
"to shake, tremble"