# unsteady

/ənˈstɛdi/ (US) · /ʌnstˈɛdi/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unsteady
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

not steady or firm. You use this to describe something that is likely to fall, move, or change suddenly.

For teachers: 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.

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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.