shakiness
/'ʃekinis/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. The quality or state of being physically unsteady or trembling: The condition of having slight, rapid, involuntary movements, often due to weakness, nervousness, or illness. 2. The quality of being unstable, insecure, or not firmly fixed: A lack of stability, firmness, or reliability in a non-physical sense, such as in a situation, system, or argument.
Usage Examples
- The shakiness in her hands made it difficult for her to pour the tea.
- After the long hike, he felt a noticeable shakiness in his legs.
- The economic shakiness of the country worried international investors.
- There is a fundamental shakiness to his theory that other scholars have criticized.
Advanced Usage
- "to betray a shakiness": to reveal or show one's lack of steadiness or confidence.
- His voice betrayed a slight shakiness when he discussed the sensitive topic.
- "inherent shakiness": a fundamental instability that is a built-in characteristic.
- The treaty's inherent shakiness was due to vague terms and lack of enforcement mechanisms.
Variants and Related Words
- Shaky (adjective): unsteady, trembling, or not solid/secure.
- He gave a shaky performance due to nerves.
- The table is shaky; one leg is loose.
- Shake (verb/noun): the action that causes or the instance of shakiness.
- A strong wind can shake the house.
- He gave the bottle a good shake.
Synonyms
- Tremor: A slight, involuntary movement, often medical.
- Unsteadiness: Lack of balance or stability.
- Instability: The state of being likely to change or fail.
- Insecurity: Lack of safety or confidence.
Related Phrases
- A case of the shakes: (Idiomatic, informal) An instance of noticeable trembling.
- After the frightening experience, she had a real case of the shakes.
- On shaky ground: (Idiom) In an unstable or uncertain position, especially regarding an argument or belief.
- His accusations are on shaky ground without any evidence.
Noun
- the quality of being unstable and insecure
- the shakiness of the present regime
- a shaky motion
- the shaking of his fingers as he lit his pipe