What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wabbling
Example
The table was wabbling because one of its legs was shorter. [wabbling: verb]
Example
She was wabbling on her feet after drinking too much. [wabbling: present participle]
Example
He was wabbling between two job offers, unable to make a decision. [wabbling: gerund]
vacillating
Example
She vacillated between staying in her current job and pursuing a new career. [vacillated: past tense]
Example
The stock market has been vacillating for the past few weeks. [vacillating: present participle]
Example
His mood vacillated between excitement and anxiety throughout the day. [vacillated: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vacillating is less common than wabbling in everyday language. Wabbling is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while vacillating is more formal and less frequently used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wabbling and vacillating?
Vacillating is more formal than wabbling. It is often used in academic or professional settings, while wabbling is more informal and playful in tone.
