student asking question

What is different between risky and shaky?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

"Shaky" here specifically refers to something that is unsteady, unstable, or wobbly. Ex: Don't sit on the chair! It is shaky. "Shaky" can also be used to describe something which has a potential for failure. In this case, the word "shaky" is more similar to the "risky", which means that something has a high chance or possibility of failure. However, "risky" still has a different meaning, as it implies that something is also extremely dangerous. Ex: My grades are shaky; I might not graduate school. Ex: Driving while drunk is very risky.

Popular Q&As

03/25

Complete the expression with a quiz!