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.

In a speech aimed at steadying his tottering premiership on Monday, Sir Keir said "incremental change won't cut it" as he promised to "face up to the big challenges" the country faced.

From BBC • May 12, 2026

This is a comic epic of bursting balloons and black eyes, tipsy aunts and tottering uncles, an errant mouse and driving snows.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025

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

The two boys, aged 2 and 4, romped through the labyrinth of La Soledad, under lines of drying laundry, past deliverymen pushing stacked handcarts and carpenters hammering away at tottering structures.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 26, 2025

He sees the milk carton tottering, and tries to reach it, but his fingers graze the side.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila

tottering

Example Sentences

Related Words