# wobbly

/ˈwɑbəɫi/ (US) · /wˈɒbli/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/wobbly
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

moving unsteadily from side to side because something is weak or not balanced. You use this to describe a chair that shakes or a person who feels weak on their legs.

For teachers: tending to move unsteadily from side to side; lacking stability or physical balance. Often used to describe furniture with uneven legs or a person's physical state when feeling faint or nervous.

## Examples

- The old wooden table is very wobbly.
- I felt a bit wobbly after the long flight, so I sat down for a moment.
- The toddler took several wobbly steps across the living room before finally collapsing into his father's outstretched arms with a giggle.

## Usage notes

- Commonly follows linking verbs like 'feel', 'look', or 'become'.

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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.