Word
shaky
US/ˈʃeɪki/
UK/ʃˈeɪki/
Definitions
01physically trembling
B1 · Intermediate
adj. shaking slightly, often because you are weak, cold, or old.
adj. characterised by physical tremors or instability; often used to describe limbs or movements resulting from frailty or physical stress.
“His hands were shaky as he tried to pour the tea into the cup.”
“The elderly man took a few shaky steps toward the podium, leaning heavily on his cane for support.”
02nervous or weak
B1 · Intermediate
adj. feeling weak or unsteady because you are scared or upset.
adj. experiencing a lack of emotional or physical composure due to anxiety, shock, or fear.
“I felt a bit shaky after the car accident, even though I wasn't hurt.”
“She gave a shaky laugh to hide her nerves before the interview began.”
03unreliable or weak logic
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. not firm or certain; likely to fail or be proven wrong.
adj. lacking a solid foundation or convincing evidence; precarious or questionable in validity.
“The witness gave a shaky account of what happened that night.”
“The prosecution's case was built on shaky evidence that the defence easily challenged during cross-examination.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
04unstable structure
B1 · Intermediate
adj. likely to fall down or break because it is not built well.
adj. physically unsound or poorly constructed; liable to collapse or wobble.
“Don't stand on that shaky old ladder; it might break.”
“The hikers crossed the shaky wooden bridge one at a time, wary of the rotting planks beneath their feet.”
Etymology
From shake + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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