Definition

The quality of not being stable or balanced, often causing wobbling or difficulty in maintaining a position.

Example

The unsteadiness of the boat made it hard for the passengers to walk around.

Conversation

I noticed some unsteadiness in your walking lately, is everything okay?

Yeah, it's just my ankle acting up again.

I hope it gets better soon; that unsteadiness can be really concerning.

Thanks! I'm trying to rest it and see how it feels.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unsteadiness → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "steady" (from Old English *stædige*, meaning firm or stable) and "-ness" (meaning the state of being). The word "unsteadiness" refers to the state of not being firm or stable.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being combined with 'firm' ('steady') to remember that 'unsteadiness' means the state of being not firm or stable.

Visually Confused Words