Adverb describing a manner of movement or position that is unstable, precarious, and characterized by a lack of balance. It suggests a tendency to wobble or sway, often indicating a state of near-falling or collapse. The action described can be physical, as in walking on a narrow beam, or metaphorical, as in a situation that is uncertain and on the verge of destabilization. The word evokes a sense of tension, risk, and the potential for a sudden change of state, often implying difficulty or clumsiness in maintaining equilibrium, whether it be in physical space, in a relationship, or a project. It highlights the precariousness of a situation and the vulnerability inherent in a lack of stability.
Teeteringly meaning with examples
- The old house stood teeteringly on the cliff edge, weathering years of storms; its foundations eroded, making its survival questionable. The wind howled, threatening to push it over the precipice, amplifying the precariousness of its position.
- He climbed the rickety ladder teeteringly, each rung groaning under his weight. His heart hammered against his ribs as he ascended, imagining the fall he would face.
- The politician's popularity was teeteringly supported by a few key votes, relying on tenuous alliances. Any misstep could bring his influence down, just like a house of cards.
- The economy of the small nation, after the market crash, moved teeteringly from recovery towards recession. Inflation, rising in every sector, was a serious sign of its imbalance.
- She walked down the icy path teeteringly, focusing every effort on remaining upright. Her arms were outstretched, and the fear of a slip haunted her with every step.