Rickety

usgb/ˈrɪkəti/
adjective

Not strong or stable, and likely to break.

Be careful climbing up to the attic, the stairs are quite rickety.
Visual representation of "rickety" - Not strong or stable, and likely to break.

Often appears as...

  • rickety stairs
  • rickety chair
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "rickety"
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Physical Instability

Use 'rickety' to describe objects that seem unreliable due to physical weakness or age.

Illustration for Physical Instability
The rickety bridge swayed ominously in the wind.
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Visual Impression

'Rickety' often implies that something looks old, worn, or on the verge of collapse.

Illustration for Visual Impression
The rickety barn was a landmark of the abandoned farmstead.
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Metaphorical Use

Sometimes 'rickety' is used metaphorically to describe things lacking stability, like plans or relationships.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
Their rickety alliance was based on very little common ground.
Visual representation of the word "Rickety"

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