unsteady
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ʌnˈstɛdi/
KK: /ʌnˈstɛdi/
adjective
Definition
Not stable or firm; likely to change or fall; shaky.
Example
The unsteady table wobbled every time someone leaned on it.
Conversation
I felt a bit unsteady on the bike today.
Yeah, it can be tricky if you're not used to it.
I think I need more practice to feel comfortable.
Definitely! Just take your time and you'll get there.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
unstable
wavering
fluctuant
Antonyms
steady
stable
firm
transitive verb
Definition
To make something not steady or stable, causing it to shake or wobble.
Example
The strong wind unsteady the tall tree, making it sway back and forth.
Tense Forms
Past: unsteadied
Past Participle: unsteadied
Conversation
I felt a bit unsteady on my feet after that last ride.
Yeah, those rides can really shake you up!
I should have known better than to go on that one.
Root Explanation
Unsteady → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "steady" (from Old English "stædige", meaning firm or stable). The word "unsteady" means not firm or stable, indicating a lack of steadiness.
Memory Tip
Think of 'not' ('un-') being added to 'firm' or 'stable' ('steady') — that's why unsteady means something that is not stable.
Visually Confused Words
steady
unsatedly
untread
unshady
unsated
unready
unheady
onstead