shaky

[/ˈʃeɪki/]

adjective

instável

1. trembling or quivering; not steady

His hands were shaky after the accident.

Suas mãos estavam tremendo após o acidente.

2. not secure or stable; likely to fail

The company's financial situation is shaky.

A situação financeira da empresa é instável.

3. not reliable or trustworthy; uncertain

His evidence was shaky at best.

Sua evidência era duvidosa na melhor das hipóteses.

4. weak or unsteady in health or condition

She felt shaky and feverish.

Ela se sentia fraca e com febre.

NYC Slang

sketchy, sus (when referring to unreliable situations)

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

instável, trêmulo, fraco

Most common usage in Brazil

São Paulo

instável, bamboleante

Regional preference for 'bamboleante' when describing physical movement

Rio de Janeiro

instável, grogui

Colloquial usage of 'grogui' for feeling weak or unsteady

Portugal

instável, tremido, incerto

Portuguese preference for 'tremido' in describing trembling

on shaky ground - em terreno instável (in an uncertain or precarious position)

shaky start - um começo fraco (a weak beginning)

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