Standard Lemma guide

unsteadily

adv · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

adv

Meaning 1

In an unsteady manner, so as to shake or falter.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • He climbed the stairs unsteadily, grasping the banister and gasping for breath.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

adv

Meaning 2

In an uncertain manner; with hesitation or timidity.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

adverb

Meaning 3

in an unsteady manner

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • he walked unsteadily toward the exit
  • The wounded soldier was swinging unsteadily on his legs

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: falteringly, uncertainly

Antonyms: steadily

History

Etymology

From unsteady + -ly or un- + steadily.