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"Wobbly" vs. "shaky": finding firm ground in their meanings

Reviewed and edited by

Anwar Kareem 05/11/2024, 09:47

English.me team member

Wobbly and shaky. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "wobbly" and "shaky" describe a lack of stability or firmness. They can be used to describe physical movement or a metaphorical lack of confidence or certainty.

What is different?

"Wobbly" often suggests a side-to-side motion or instability, while "shaky" implies trembling or quivering. "Wobbly" can also suggest insecurity in an object's structure, whereas "shaky" can imply weakness or lack of reliability.

Which one is more common?

Internet search results for wobbly) and shaky

Examples of usage

Wobbly

The table was wobbly and needed to be fixed.
After his first day of skating, his legs felt wobbly.
The new bridge looked wobbly, making drivers hesitant to cross.

Shaky

Her voice was shaky as she delivered the speech.
The ladder felt shaky as he climbed it.
He walked with shaky legs after the intense workout.

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