Word
unsteady
Phoneticsun·steady
US/ənˈstɛdi/
UK/ʌnstˈɛdi/
Definition
adj. not steady or firm. You use this to describe something that is likely to fall, move, or change suddenly.
adj. lacking steadiness or firmness; likely to waver or collapse. Often describes physical movement, emotional states, or unstable economic conditions.
Examples
“The old wooden floor feels very unsteady under my feet.”
“After drinking too much coffee, he felt unsteady and had to hold onto the wall to stay upright.”
“The market remained unsteady throughout the afternoon as investors waited for the central bank to announce its final interest rate decision.”
Examples
simple
“The old wooden floor feels very unsteady under my feet.”
contextual
“After drinking too much coffee, he felt unsteady and had to hold onto the wall to stay upright.”
complex
“The market remained unsteady throughout the afternoon as investors waited for the central bank to announce its final interest rate decision.”
Real-World Examples
“With Itauma barely able to stand, his legs unsteady and body swaying before slumping in the corner, his team threw in the towel.” “Or you may feel unsteady on your feet.” Etymology
From un- + steady. Like steady, the word first appeared in English around 1530. The word is comparable to Old Frisian onstedich, Low German unstadig, etc.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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