unsteadily

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: //ʌnˈstɛdɪli//

KK: /ʌnˈstɛdɪli/

adverb

Definition

In a way that is not steady; shaking or wobbling while moving or doing something.

Example

She walked unsteadily after getting off the roller coaster.

Conversation

Did you notice how he walked unsteadily after the fall?

Yeah, I was worried he might hurt himself more.

I hope he’s okay, that looked painful!

Me too, but I think he’ll be fine with some rest.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

wobbly

shakily

falteringly

Antonyms

steadily

firmly

securely

Root Explanation

Unsteadily → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "steady" (from Old English *stædige*, meaning firm or stable) and the suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner of). The word "unsteadily" means in a manner that is not firm or stable.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being added to 'steady' to remember that 'unsteadily' means not firm or stable.

Visually Confused Words