shaky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shaky" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is unstable, uncertain, or unreliable, often in contexts related to physical stability or emotional confidence. Example: "The table was shaky, making it difficult to eat without spilling my drink."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Japan's claim to commercial whaling as a cultural expression is surely a shaky one, since it only began large-scale whaling in the 20th century – but it was taught to them by European whalers.

The Guardian - Opinion

But what if this slab of received thinking rests on shaky foundations?

The Guardian - Opinion

Gaël Clichy's meek defending when James Perch scored Wigan's second probably illustrates why Pellegrini prefers Aleksander Kolarov, who is not immune to the odd dicey moment, while Joleon Lescott, making a rare appearance, was also shaky.

The Guardian - Sport

Perhaps they know they are on shaky ground, blamed by many for vastly underestimating the consequences of allowing Poland and other new EU countries unfettered access to the employment market after they joined the union in 2004.

The Guardian

The Osborne initiative had a shaky start when the Scottish secretary, Alistair Carmichael, was forced to counter the impression left by the chancellor that the package itself would include greater devolution of powers than already agreed by the parties in a joint statement in June.

The Guardian

Thursday was the worst day so far in what has been a shaky start to the Conservative general election campaign.

The Guardian - Opinion

The effectiveness of Tony Cascarino and a shaky display by Sunderland keeper Iain Hesford helped Gillingham win the first leg 3-2 at Priestfield, with Cascarino scoring a second-half hat-trick in the space of 26 minutes.

The Guardian - Sport

Of the current crop Cameron probably scrapes a pass grade on competence, but he is shaky on shared values and he relies over-much on a likeability that not everyone feels.

The Guardian - Opinion

On Tuesday, pro-Russia forces seized parts of Debaltseve in intense street fighting, ignoring the shaky ceasefire agreement, as a deadline for removing heavy weapons from the frontlines went unheeded.

The Guardian

"Very frequently in those early days I'd get a cultural shock like, 'I shouldn't be here.' They'd make me really shaky".

The Guardian

It certainly got off to a shaky start, with Farage admitting so in an interview with the BBC's Newsnight this week, saying he had made mistakes by trying to pack too much into his schedule.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shaky" to describe a situation or agreement, consider whether a more specific term like "unstable" or "tenuous" might provide greater clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "shaky" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise language is expected. Opt for terms like "unreliable" or "unsubstantiated" when discussing data or research findings.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "shaky" primarily functions to describe something lacking stability, firmness, or reliability. It can apply to physical objects, agreements, economies, or even someone's emotional state, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "shaky" is a versatile term used to describe something that lacks stability or reliability, applicable in both physical and abstract contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business writing. While "shaky" is a common and acceptable term, it's important to consider context and audience to choose the most precise and impactful language. For instance, in formal or technical settings, alternatives like "unstable" or "tenuous" might be more appropriate. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively convey the intended meaning and maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unstable

Indicates a lack of stability or firmness, similar to "shaky" but can apply to a wider range of situations.

unsteady

Suggests a lack of steadiness, often used in a physical context, like a person's gait or balance.

precarious

Implies a dangerous level of instability or uncertainty, often with potential negative consequences.

tenuous

Describes something that is weak or flimsy, like a connection or an argument.

flimsy

Suggests a lack of substance or strength, often used to describe physical objects or plans.

fragile

Indicates easily broken or damaged, either physically or metaphorically.

uncertain

Describes doubt or lack of confidence.

dubious

Raises questions or doubts about something.

questionable

Implies doubt about the validity or honesty of something.

insecure

Describes a lack of confidence or stability, often used in an emotional or psychological context.

FAQs

How can I use "shaky" in a sentence?

"Shaky" is typically used as an adjective. For example, "The ladder felt "shaky"", or "The evidence for his claim is "shaky"".

What can I say instead of "shaky"?

You can use alternatives like "unstable", "unsteady", or "precarious" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "shaky foundation" or "unstable foundation"?

Both "shaky foundation" and "unstable foundation" are correct, but "shaky foundation" often implies a less severe or immediate risk than "unstable foundation", which suggests a greater likelihood of collapse or failure.

What's the difference between "shaky" and "hesitant"?

"Shaky" describes something that lacks physical stability or is unreliable, while "hesitant" describes someone who is unwilling or doubtful. You might have a shaky bridge or be hesitant to cross it.