What does shakable mean?
The adjective shakable refers to something that can be shaken or disturbed, often implying instability or insecurity. This can describe physical objects, financial situations, or emotional states. For instance, a shakable table may be one that is easily tipped over, while a shakable alibi might be one that is questionable or unreliable. The word is often used to convey a sense of vulnerability or risk. Understanding the nuances of shakable can help in accurately describing situations where stability is compromised. Shakable is used across various contexts, from everyday conversations to formal writing, providing a versatile term for expressing uncertainty or instability.
adjectiveCapable of being shaken or disturbed; unstable or insecure.
- Capable of being shaken or disturbed
- Unstable or insecure
"The company's financial stability was shakable, and investors were worried about their assets."
"The shakable ground made it difficult to walk."
"Her confidence was shakable after the failure."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of shakable
The word shakable originates from the verb 'shake', which has Old English roots in 'scēacan', related to Dutch 'schudden' and German 'schütteln'. The suffix '-able' was added to form an adjective indicating capability. Historically, shakable has evolved to describe not just physical shakability but also metaphorical instability.
Usage notes
Formal and informal usage; often used in financial or emotional contexts.