Teetered

To move or stand in an unsteady way, as if about to fall. This often describes a physical action, like balancing precariously, but can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation or emotional state that is unstable or on the verge of collapse. The action implies a lack of equilibrium, a hesitancy, and a potential for a significant change, often a fall or a negative outcome. The term suggests both physical and mental instability. This precarious state might result from external forces, internal conflict, or simply an inherent lack of stability. It can apply to an object, a person, or an abstract concept. The emphasis is on a momentary lack of balance or control. A sense of impending change is key to the meaning.

Teetered meaning with examples

• The old, rickety ladder teetered under his weight, each rung groaning with the strain. He gripped the sides tightly, his heart pounding with each slow step up, aware that any misstep would send him tumbling to the ground. The wind whipped around him, adding to the already precarious balance, as he reached for the roof. It was the most dangerous moment.
• She teetered on the edge of a breakdown, the stress of her job and her personal life overwhelming her. Each email, each phone call, felt like a new pressure on her already strained mental capacity. A single harsh word could send her spiraling. She was unsure where her state of instability began or where it would lead. A collapse of mental health seemed immanent.
• The economic recovery teetered on the brink of failure due to political infighting and rising inflation. Investors were nervous, and the stock market experienced wild fluctuations. The government tried, to introduce plans, that, in turn, resulted in little success. A few key decisions had to be made. One wrong move and all the progress would evaporate and take the world economy along for the ride.
• The small boat teetered in the choppy sea, threatened by the constant waves crashing over it. Passengers held on as tightly as they could. Any movement of the weight, any miscalculation by the captain and it felt like the boat would capsize and send everyone for an unwanted swim. Each wave brought it closer. Eventually, they made it back to shore but the experience was close call for all.
• His confidence teetered after the public criticism of his work. He began to doubt his abilities. He felt insecure in his field. He was used to the acclaim he once received. His ideas no longer held any appeal in his mind. He even began to question his career as a whole, and his once-bright outlook started to dim and wane with the negativity.