Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Unsteady, shaky, or unstable, especially in movement or structure: Describes something or someone that is not firm or secure, often appearing as if it might fall, collapse, or lose balance. This is typically due to weakness, age, or inherent fragility.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective:
  • The old, tottery fence finally collapsed in the strong wind. (The fence was unsteady and weak, leading to its collapse.)
  • After the long illness, her steps were slow and tottery. (Her walking was shaky and unstable due to physical weakness.)
  • He replaced the tottery ladder with a new, sturdy one. (The ladder was unsafe and wobbly.)

Advanced Usage

• Describing abstract concepts: While primarily physical, "tottery" can be used metaphorically to describe unstable situations or systems.
  • The country's tottery economy was a major concern for investors. (The economy was perceived as unstable and precarious.)

Variants and Related Words

• Totter (verb): To move in a shaky, unsteady way.
  • The toddler tottered across the room.
• Tottering (adjective): Similar to "tottery," meaning unsteady or shaky. Often used interchangeably.
  • a tottering old bridge

Synonyms

• Unsteady: Not firmly fixed or balanced.
• Shaky: Trembling or quivering; not solid.
• Wobbly: Tending to move unsteadily from side to side.
• Rickety: Weak in the joints and likely to collapse.
• Precarious: Not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse.

Antonyms

• Stable: Not likely to give way or overturn; firmly fixed.
• Steady: Firmly fixed, supported, or balanced; not shaking or moving.
• Sturdy: Strongly and solidly built.

Adjective

1. unsteady in gait as from infirmity or old age
   • a tottering skeleton of a horse
   • a tottery old man