Totterer

A 'totterer' is an individual or entity that is unsteady on their feet, often due to physical weakness, age, illness, or intoxication, resulting in a precarious, swaying gait. Figuratively, it can describe something that is unstable or faltering in its operation, position, or success. The term highlights a lack of balance and the potential for collapse or failure. The totterer may stumble and lose control of their movement, but with some support they may maintain their stability, and in the figurative sense, the tottering entity may survive a period of instability. The term emphasizes a delicate state of balance and a potential lack of robustness. The degree of 'tottering' can vary, from a minor wobble to a complete loss of footing.

Totterer meaning with examples

• The elderly man was a totterer, his gait slow and uncertain as he made his way across the icy sidewalk. He leaned heavily on his cane, each step a carefully considered effort. Despite his frailty, he remained determined to reach the park bench, his weathered face etched with a mix of resolve and apprehension. His wife walked alongside him, ready to offer a steadying hand if needed, as he tottered onward through the cold.
• After the marathon, the exhausted runner emerged from the finish line a totterer, his legs trembling with fatigue. He could barely stand upright and had to be supported by race volunteers. His vision swam, and he struggled to catch his breath. Despite the immense pain, a triumphant grin slowly spread across his face, demonstrating the will of a fighter. He tottered toward the medical tent, grateful for any assistance to recover.
• The old bridge, weakened by years of erosion, appeared to the onlookers to be a totterer, its support pillars worn and unstable. The rust-covered structure groaned ominously as each vehicle passed. Warnings had been issued about its unsafe state, and the authorities debated the necessity of shutting down access. Despite its frail appearance, it continued to carry the burden of daily traffic, a constant worry for those who crossed it.
• The company, facing significant financial losses and leadership instability, was on its last legs as a totterer. Stock prices plummeted, investor confidence dwindled, and layoffs were announced. The CEO was under immense pressure to stabilize the situation before the business collapsed. The future was uncertain, and the firm was in a delicate situation, struggling to maintain its position in a competitive market.