unsteadily

/ʌnˈstedəli/ (bre, ipa) · /ʌnˈstedəli/ (ame, ipa) · /"+/ (ame, mw)

unsteadily — adverb

1. showing poor balance when walking or standing, so that you seem likely to fall t

1.副詞B2
釋義

showing poor balance when walking or standing, so that you seem likely to fall to one side.

例句

Amihan stood up unsteadily after the long bus ride and grabbed the seat in front of her.

verb phrase: stand up unsteadily after a physical strain

The toddler took a few steps unsteadily before falling onto the soft carpet with a laugh.

verb phrase: take steps unsteadily (learning to walk)

同義詞
  • shakily

    more specific to trembling or quivering movements; slightly less common than 'unsteadily'.

  • falteringly

    suggests hesitation and loss of confidence in each step, not just poor balance.

  • totteringly

    highly specific to the swaying motion of someone about to fall; less common in everyday speech.

反義詞
  • steadily

    direct opposite; moving with full balance and control.

  • firmly

    with strong, sure steps; no wobble at all.

文法句型

verb + unsteadily

unsteadily + verb

用法筆記

Almost always modifies verbs of movement (walk, stand, rise, climb, step). The subject is typically a person, an animal, or a personified creature whose balance is temporarily or permanently impaired.

常見錯誤

❌He drove unsteadily home after one beer.
✅He drove home after one beer, swerving slightly.
💡'unsteadily' is unusual for vehicle movement; use 'erratically' or 'swerving' instead.
❌The table was placed unsteadily on the floor.
✅The table wobbled on the uneven floor.
💡'unsteadily' describes a person's movement, not an object's position.

2. with a trembling or shaking quality that is not even or controlled — used for a

2.副詞B2
釋義

with a trembling or shaking quality that is not even or controlled — used for a voice, a hand, a flame, or a mechanical action that lacks smoothness.

例句

Nkechi spoke unsteadily into the microphone, her hands trembling with nerves.

verb + unsteadily: speak unsteadily (voice + hands)

The candle flame danced unsteadily in the breeze that came through the open window.

inanimate subject: flame + verb + unsteadily

同義詞
  • tremulously

    more formal; emphasises visible trembling, especially of the voice or hands.

  • shakily

    common alternative; slightly less precise about the kind of movement.

  • wobblingly

    informal; suggests a side-to-side motion rather than a fine tremor.

反義詞
  • smoothly

    without any shake or interruption; the direct opposite for voice or hand motion.

  • steadily

    with calm, even control; no trembling.

文法句型

verb + unsteadily

unsteadily + verb

unsteadily + past participle

用法筆記

Often pairs with verbs involving the hands (write, hold, lift, pour) or the voice (speak, sing, say). Can also apply to a light source or mechanical motion. Distinguish from sense 1: here the person may be standing still — the unsteadiness is localised to a body part or an instrument, not the whole body's balance.

常見錯誤

❌He thought unsteadily about the problem.
✅He thought uncertainly about the problem.
💡'unsteadily' describes physical or sensory motion, not mental processes.
❌The economy recovered unsteadily.
✅(works for sense 3, not sense 2)
💡'unsteadily' for a figurative situation belongs to sense 3, not the physical-trembling sense.

3. shifting between different states or directions so often that the outcome cannot

3.副詞C1
釋義

shifting between different states or directions so often that the outcome cannot be relied on — used for economies, political processes, or health recoveries.

例句

The local economy grew unsteadily after the factory closed, with several false starts.

figurative: economy + verb + unsteadily for unreliable growth

Peace talks between the two sides progressed unsteadily, often interrupted by fresh arguments.

figurative: talks + progressed unsteadily

同義詞
  • erratically

    more common for economic or mechanical patterns; suggests unpredictable changes.

  • fitfully

    implies frequent stops and starts; good for recovery or progress.

  • unevenly

    emphasises a lack of consistency rather than direction; neutral in register.

反義詞
  • steadily

    with consistent, reliable progress in one direction.

  • smoothly

    without obstacles or interruptions.

  • predictably

    in a way that can be anticipated with confidence.

文法句型

verb + unsteadily

unsteadily + verb

用法筆記

Exclusively figurative. The subject is always an abstract noun — economy, progress, recovery, relationship, peace, career. Unlike senses 1 and 2, there is no physical trembling or loss of balance; the image is of a situation that cannot maintain a steady direction.

常見錯誤

❌The weather turned unsteadily from sunny to rainy.
✅The weather turned from sunny to rainy very suddenly.
💡'unsteadily' describes a long-term unreliable pattern, not a single change in weather.
❌She walked unsteadily in her high heels.
✅(this belongs to sense 1, physical balance)
💡avoid confusing figurative situations with physical walking scenarios.