Definition

Adjective: 1. Inclined to heel over easily under sail: Describes a boat or ship that is unstable and tends to lean or tip to one side more easily than is safe or comfortable, especially when under the power of its sails.

Usage

The adjective "tippy" is a descriptive term used almost exclusively in nautical contexts to characterize the stability of a sailing vessel. It is an informal, comparative term suggesting a lack of stability relative to other boats.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The small dinghy was quite tippy, so the novice sailor had to be careful.
  • This design is known for being fast but tippy in strong winds.
  • We chose a wider, more stable canoe because the other model felt too tippy.

Advanced Usage

• Comparative and Superlative Forms: The word can take standard comparative and superlative forms.
  • This kayak is tippier than the one I rented last time.
  • Of all the sailboats in the regatta, theirs was the tippiest.

Variants and Related Words

• Tippiness (noun): The quality or state of being tippy.
  • The tippiness of the boat made it unsuitable for beginners.

Synonyms

• Unstable: Lacking stability; prone to change, tilt, or fail.
• Tender (nautical): A formal nautical term for a vessel that heels over easily.
• Cranky (informal, nautical): Another informal term for a boat that is unstable or easily upset.

Antonyms

• Stable: Not easily moved, disturbed, or changed; firmly fixed.
• Stiff (nautical): A formal nautical term for a vessel that resists heeling over.

Adjective

1. (used of boats) inclined to heel over easily under sail