unsteadfast

He felt unsteadfast in his decision and kept changing his mind.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Lacking firmness or stability: "unsteadfast" describes someone or something that is not fixed, steady, or resolute in purpose, opinion, or position.
   • Inconstant or changeable: It refers to a tendency to shift or waver, especially in loyalty, commitment, or belief.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • His unsteadfast resolve caused him to abandon the project halfway through. (His lack of firm determination made him give up.)
  • The unsteadfast support of the committee led to delays in the decision. (The support was not constant or reliable.)
  • She was criticized for her unsteadfast attitude toward the company's values. (Her attitude was changeable and not committed.)

Advanced Usage

• "Unsteadfast in purpose": lacking a fixed or unwavering goal.

  • The leader was unsteadfast in purpose, frequently changing the team's direction. (The leader lacked consistent determination.)

• "Unsteadfast loyalty": loyalty that is not reliable or enduring.

  • An unsteadfast loyalty to the group made him a poor ally. (His loyalty was prone to change.)

Variants and Related Words

• Unsteadfastly (adv): in a manner lacking firmness or constancy.

  • He unsteadfastly shifted his opinions based on the latest trend. (He changed his views in an unstable manner.)

• Unsteadfastness (n): the quality of being unsteady or inconstant.

  • The unsteadfastness of her commitment worried her friends. (Her lack of steady commitment caused concern.)

Synonyms

• Fickle: likely to change frequently, especially in loyalty or affection.
• Vacillating: indecisive or wavering between different options.
• Inconstant: not constant or consistent; prone to change.

Antonyms

• Steadfast: resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering.
• Constant: occurring continuously; unchanging in nature or purpose.

Related Idioms

• To blow hot and cold: to alternate inconsistently between enthusiasm and disinterest.

  • He blew hot and cold about the job offer, showing an unsteadfast attitude. (He was changeable in his interest.)

• To change one's tune: to alter one's opinion or approach, often due to self-interest.

  • She changed her tune after the meeting, demonstrating unsteadfast principles. (She shifted her stance easily.)