Basic Details
Word: Unsteady
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Not firm or stable; wobbling or not secure.
Synonyms: Wobbly, shaky, unstable
Antonyms: Steady, stable, secure
Idioms and Phrases
- On shaky ground: Used when a situation is uncertain or unstable. Example: "After failing the test, he felt like he was on shaky ground with his grades."
- To rock the boat: To disrupt a stable situation. Example: "She didn't want to rock the boat at work, so she kept her unsteady feelings to herself."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The toddler took unsteady steps as she learned to walk for the first time.
Example 2: The unsteady table wobbled whenever someone leaned against it.
Example 3: He felt unsteady on his feet after spinning around in circles.
Fun Fact
The word "unsteady" comes from Old English origins, where "steady" meant firm or stable, and the prefix "un-" indicates a negation, meaning 'not.' So, "unsteady" directly translates to 'not firm or stable.'
Famous Quote
"Life is a balance of holding on and letting go, and sometimes it feels quite unsteady." Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "unsteady" mean?
a) Firm and secure
b) Not firm or stable
c) Heavy and strong
d) Completely still
Answer: b) Not firm or stable
2. Which of these is a synonym of "unsteady"?
a) Steady
b) Wobbly
c) Secure
d) Fixed
Answer: b) Wobbly
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "unsteady"?
a) Wobbly
b) Uncertain
c) Stable
d) Shaky
Answer: c) Stable
4. Which sentence uses "unsteady" correctly?
a) The unsteady dancer moved gracefully across the stage.
b) She felt unsteady because she was sitting still.
c) The boat became unsteady during the strong winds.
d) He remained unsteady while playing soccer.
Answer: c) The boat became unsteady during the strong winds.
5. Which idiom means that a situation is unstable?
a) On solid ground
b) On shaky ground
c) Rocking the boat
d) Like a steady ship
Answer: b) On shaky ground
