unfirm
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective 1. Not solid, stable, or secure; lacking firmness. * This describes something that is physically unstable, loose, or not fixed in place, such as ground, a structure, or a footing. 2. Not steady, resolute, or dependable; wavering. * This describes something abstract, such as a position, plan, or commitment, that is not strong, certain, or reliable.
Usage and Examples
- Physical Instability:
- The builders avoided the unfirm ground near the riverbank.
- After the earthquake, the foundation of the house felt dangerously unfirm.
- Lack of Steadiness or Resolution:
- His unfirm grasp on the concept led to mistakes in the report.
- The company's unfirm commitment to the project caused delays.
Advanced Usage
- "Unfirm footing": This is a common collocation meaning an unstable physical position or, metaphorically, an insecure situation.
- The slippery rocks left her with unfirm footing.
- The new evidence put the old theory on unfirm footing.
Variants and Related Words
- Infirm (adj): Physically weak, especially from age or illness. (Note: While similar, "infirm" primarily relates to weakness of the body or mind, not physical stability.)
- The infirm patient needed assistance walking.
- Unfirmly (adv): In an unfirm manner.
- The post was unfirmly planted in the soil.
Synonyms
- Unstable: Not stable; prone to change or collapse.
- Unsteady: Not firmly fixed, supported, or balanced.
- Shaky: Shaking or trembling; not solid or secure.
- Insecure: Not firm or fixed; liable to give way.
Antonyms
- Firm: Solidly in place and stable.
- Stable: Not likely to change, give way, or overturn.
- Steady: Firmly fixed, supported, or balanced; regular and even.
- Secure: Fixed or fastened so as not to give way, become loose, or be lost.
Adjective
- (of soil) unstable
- shifting sands
- unfirm earth
- not firmly or solidly positioned
- climbing carefully up the unsteady ladder
- an unfirm stance