# shaky

/ˈʃeɪki/ (US) · /ʃˈeɪki/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shaky
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. physically trembling

adjective · CEFR B1

shaking slightly, often because you are weak, cold, or old.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. nervous or weak

adjective · CEFR B1

feeling weak or unsteady because you are scared or upset.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. unreliable or weak logic

adjective · CEFR B2

not firm or certain; likely to fail or be proven wrong.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. unstable structure

adjective · CEFR B1

likely to fall down or break because it is not built well.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- Her voice was shaky as she began the presentation.
- The old wooden bridge felt shaky under the weight of the heavy truck.
- The prosecution's case remained shaky, relying on circumstantial evidence and the testimony of a witness whose memory had been called into question.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.