rickety
English edit
Alternative forms edit
Etymology edit
Unclear. The Ancient Greek ῥάχις (rhákhis, “backbone”) origin is disputed.
Pronunciation edit
Adjective edit
rickety (comparative ricketier, superlative ricketiest)
- (of an object) Not strong or sturdy, as because of poor construction or upkeep; not safe or secure.
- He hesitated about climbing such a small, rickety ladder.
- (of a person) Feeble in the joints; tottering.
- The rickety old man hardly managed to climb the stairs.
- Affected with or suffering from rickets.
Synonyms edit
- (not held or fixed securely and likely to fall over): precarious, unsteady, shaky, tottering, unsafe, unstable, wobbly, giddy
Translations edit
not strong because of poor construction or upkeep
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feeble in the joints, tottering
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affected with rickets
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