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Definition of unsteadiness - 3 dictionary results

un⋅stead⋅y

  [uhn-sted-ee] adjective, verb, -stead⋅ied, -stead⋅y⋅ing.
Use unsteadiness in a Sentence
–adjective
1. not steady or firm; unstable; shaky: an unsteady hand.
2. fluctuating or wavering: an unsteady flame; unsteady prices.
3. irregular or uneven: an unsteady development.
–verb (used with object)
4. to make unsteady.
Origin:
1525–35; un- 1 + steady

Related forms:
un⋅stead⋅i⋅ly, adverb
un⋅stead⋅i⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
1. See unsettled. 2. vacillating, flickering.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To unsteadiness
un·stead·y   (ŭn-stěd'ē)   
adj.   un·stead·i·er, un·stead·i·est

  1. Not firm, solid, or securely in place; unstable.

  2. Fluctuating; changeable: an unsteady market.

  3. Not even or regular; wavering: an unsteady voice.

tr.v.   un·stead·ied, un·stead·y·ing, un·stead·ies
To cause to become unsteady.
un·stead'i·ly adv., un·stead'i·ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

unsteady 
1598, from un- (1) "not" + steady (adj.). Cf. O.Fris. unstadich, Ger. unstätig, M.Du. onstadich.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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