What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unsteady
Example
The old man was unsteady on his feet and needed assistance. [unsteady: adjective]
Example
The table was unsteady on the uneven ground and kept wobbling. [unsteady: adjective]
Example
The company's financial situation was unsteady due to the recent economic downturn. [unsteady: adjective]
wobbly
Example
The toddler took a few wobbly steps before falling down. [wobbly: adjective]
Example
The drunk man stumbled out of the bar, looking wobbly and disoriented. [wobbly: adjective]
Example
The team's performance was wobbly at the beginning of the season but improved later on. [wobbly: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unsteady is more commonly used than wobbly in everyday language. Unsteady is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while wobbly is less common and often associated with drunkenness or lack of coordination.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between unsteady and wobbly?
Both unsteady and wobbly are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts.