unsteady — not stable, firm, or securely fixed; likely to change or fluctuate
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: not stable, firm, or securely fixed; likely to change or fluctuate
Pronunciation (IPA): /ʌnˈstedi/
Example Sentences
- The old ladder looked unsteady, so I decided to call a professional instead of risking my neck.
- Her unsteady relationship with grammar made her avoid writing long emails.
- The stock market has been unsteady for the past few months.
unsteady
ADJECTIVE[/ʌnˈstedi/]
not stable, firm, or securely fixed; likely to change or fluctuate
not stable, firm, or securely fixed; likely to change or fluctuate
Though unsteady on the rope, the team below stays steady and ready!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Unsteady emerged in the 16th century as a negation of the adjective 'steady', which itself derives from Middle English 'stede' (place, position) and Old English 'stede' (stead). The prefix 'un-' combines with 'steady' to express the opposite of being firmly fixed or stable.
Breakdown
un- (not, negation prefix) + steady (stable, firm, from Middle English 'stede' meaning place or position). The suffix '-y' transforms the noun 'stede' into an adjective meaning firmly established or constant.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The old ladder looked unsteady, so I decided to call a professional instead of risking my neck.”
“Her unsteady relationship with grammar made her avoid writing long emails.”
“The stock market has been unsteady for the past few months.”
“Walking on the unsteady boat deck made everyone feel seasick.”
📚Related Words
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