teeter Definition
- 1to stand or move in an unsteady way so that you look as if you are going to fall
- 2to be in a state of uncertainty or instability
Using teeter: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "teeter" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The toddler teetered on the edge of the pool.
Example
The economy is teetering on the brink of collapse.
Example
She teetered on her high heels, trying to maintain her balance.
Example
The vase teetered on the edge of the table before falling off.
teeter Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with teeter
teeter-totter
a long narrow board pivoted in the middle so that when one end goes up the other goes down; a seesaw
Example
The children played on the teeter-totter in the park.
Example
The company is teetering on the brink of bankruptcy.
Example
She was teetering between accepting the job offer and staying at her current job.
Origins of teeter
from Middle English 'titeren', meaning 'to totter'
Summary: teeter in Brief
The verb 'teeter' [ˈtiːtə] means to stand or move in an unsteady way, often implying the possibility of falling. It also refers to being in a state of uncertainty or instability, as in 'The economy is teetering on the brink of collapse.' 'Teeter' has phrases like 'teeter-totter,' a seesaw, and 'teeter on the brink/edge of something,' meaning to be very close to a dangerous or difficult situation.
