somewhat unsteady

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat unsteady" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, object, or person that is not completely stable or secure, indicating a degree of instability. Example: "After the earthquake, the building appeared somewhat unsteady, prompting concerns about its safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

For example, the camera can record 60-second, somewhat unsteady digital movies (it has a speaker and a microphone).

The New York Times - Tech

Also in the cast were the usually captivating soprano Elizabeth Futral, having a somewhat unsteady night as the Princess Eudoxie, and Ferruccio Furlanetto, who found not only the implacable will but also the deep-seated sorrow of Cardinal Brogni.

The New Yorker

As the concrete floor slab was jackhammered and the exterior steel walls were pulled down last week, the building quaked; not nearly enough to concern the workers but quite enough to register on visitors who found their footing somewhat unsteady as a result.

The New York Times

In a real scenario, the presence of turbulence and eddies can make the flow somewhat unsteady.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

He paused, watching Kiera's somewhat unsteady hand racing to keep up before he resumed the elegant stroll of his sentences.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Gold chains around their necks, slightly unsteady, clumsy arm movements.

The New Yorker

"I'm slightly unsteady on my feet at the moment.

The Guardian

But still, their light is pretty but unsteady.

Huffington Post

Yes, he was a bit unsteady, he was somewhat gaunt, and, as he sang "Cortigiani, vil razza dannata," from Verdi's "Rigoletto the searing, pleading, give-me-back-my-daughter aria the wondrous voice wavered at moments; midway through, Hvorostovsky's breath control, which was always astonishing in its smoothness and capacity, began to falter.

The New Yorker

But her pitch was unsteady and there was a somewhat strident quality to her tone.

The New York Times - Arts

It was found that an unsteady-state reaction method with adsorption at a low temperature and subsequent flush at somewhat elevated temperature was very effective for enhancing the conversion drastically.

Chemical Engineering Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat unsteady" to describe situations or objects that are not completely stable but not severely unstable either. It is useful for conveying a moderate degree of uncertainty or lack of firmness.

Common error

While "somewhat unsteady" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal or scientific writing. In such contexts, consider more precise alternatives like "slightly unstable" or "moderately variable" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat unsteady" primarily functions as a compound adjective modifying a noun. It describes the degree to which something lacks stability. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it can refer to physical objects, abstract concepts, or even emotional states, indicating a partial or moderate lack of steadiness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "somewhat unsteady" is a compound adjective used to describe something that is not completely stable or firm. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and functions to convey a moderate degree of instability. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, and its register is generally neutral. While acceptable, writers should consider more precise alternatives in formal or scientific settings to maintain clarity. Although "somewhat unsteady" is understandable and correct, its frequency is rare. Alternatives like "slightly unstable" or "a little shaky" may provide nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slightly unstable

Indicates a minor degree of instability.

A little shaky

Suggests a mild trembling or unsteadiness.

Somewhat precarious

Implies a slightly dangerous or unstable situation.

Rather wobbly

Describes something that is not firmly balanced.

A bit insecure

Highlights a lack of stability or confidence.

Moderately infirm

Suggests a degree of physical weakness or instability.

Relatively unstable

Implies instability in comparison to something else.

Somewhat rocky

Describes a situation or condition that is rough and unsteady.

A little unbalanced

Indicates a slight lack of equilibrium.

Partially wavering

Suggests a fluctuating or unsteady movement or state.

FAQs

How can I use "somewhat unsteady" in a sentence?

You can use "somewhat unsteady" to describe something that is not entirely stable or firm. For example, "After the storm, the old bridge seemed "somewhat unsteady"".

What are some alternatives to "somewhat unsteady"?

Alternatives include "slightly unstable", "a little shaky", or "somewhat precarious", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "somewhat unsteady" or "slightly unsteady"?

Both "somewhat unsteady" and "slightly unsteady" are correct, but "slightly" might be preferred in more formal contexts due to its slightly more precise connotation.

What does it mean when something is described as "somewhat unsteady"?

It means that the thing being described isn't completely stable or secure, but also isn't on the verge of collapse. It suggests a degree of instability or unreliability.