doddering

IPA/ˈdɒdərɪŋ/
KK[dˈɑdɚɪŋ]IPA/ˈdɑːdərɪŋ/

doddering — adjective

  • dodderingpositive
  • more dodderingcomparative
  • most dodderingsuperlative

1. describing a person, almost always elderly, whose legs shake and whose movements

1.形容詞C2
釋義

describing a person, almost always elderly, whose legs shake and whose movements are slow because their body has grown weak with age; sometimes also suggesting that the person seems mentally slow.

例句

A doddering old man crossed the street one careful step at a time.

attributive: doddering + old + noun (typical age collocation)

Mizuki helped her doddering grandfather up the stone steps to the temple.

common possessive frame: someone's doddering [relative]

同義詞
  • tottering

    very close meaning; emphasises the look of nearly falling with each step.

  • decrepit

    stronger and more negative; suggests broken-down by age, not just unsteady on the feet.

  • infirm

    more formal and neutral; covers weakness from age or illness without the shaky-step image.

  • frail

    gentler and more respectful; common in care and medical contexts.

反義詞
  • spry

    describes an older person who still moves easily and quickly — the direct opposite image.

  • vigorous

    broader; emphasises strength and energy regardless of age.

文法句型

doddering + noun

用法筆記

Almost always used attributively before a noun (typically `old man`, `grandfather`, `pensioner`, `professor`). Rarely follows the verb `be`. Carries a mildly dismissive or pitying tone, so avoid it in respectful or formal speech about real elderly people.

常見錯誤

❌The old man is doddering at the bus stop.
✅A doddering old man stood at the bus stop.
💡doddering is normally used before a noun, not after the verb 'be'.
❌Her doddering child took small steps.
✅Her doddering grandmother took small steps.
💡the word is used about elderly people, not children, even if the child is unsteady.