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Definitions

tottering

[tot-er-ing] / ˈtɒt ər ɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
unstable
Synonyms
STRONG
dizzy fluctuating moving suspect teetering unsettled vacillating wavering weaving
WEAK
ambiguous borderline capricious changeable dubious erratic fickle fitful giddy inconsistent inconstant insecure irrational lubricious mercurial mobile movable mutable not fixed precarious rickety risky rocky sensitive shaky shifty slippery temperamental ticklish tottery tricky uncertain unpredictable unsteady untrustworthy variable volatile weak wiggly wobbly
ADJECTIVE
insecure
Synonyms
STRONG
exposed loose rootless vacillating wavering
WEAK
defenseless fluctuant frail hazardous immature infirm insubstantial open to attack perilous precarious rickety rocky shaky tottery unguarded unprotected unreliable unsafe unshielded unsound unstable unsteady unsure vulnerable weak wobbly

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It is also another blow to the tottering system of international law.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026

But just as the left-hander was getting going, Starc pounced again, trapping him lbw for 21 to leave England tottering on 33-2.

From Barron's • Nov. 21, 2025

He regularly held Saturday morning sessions with experts on the tottering Soviet empire and led the George H.W.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 4, 2025

The beauty, the lusciousness, the humor and playfulness, the nuance are all here ... the movement of the heron in flight, of fish in the water, the tottering old aunties.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 13, 2023

Constance came tottering after her, struggling to keep up as Kate rounded the classroom building and charged onto the empty plaza.

From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart