Teeterers

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Characterized by an unsteady or wobbling motion while balancing or moving; describing individuals who oscillate between opposing states or decisions; relating to those who display indecision or instability in their actions or choices
2. Exhibiting a shaky or swaying movement while maintaining equilibrium; pertaining to people who are caught in a state of fluctuation or uncertainty; denoting a tendency to hesitate or falter in their approach or resolve
3. Demonstrating an unbalanced sway or rock while attempting coordination; involving persons who are in a constant state of choice between rival options; defining a quality of being unsure or wavering in behavior or opinions

Etymology: "Teeterers" is simply the plural of "teeterer," a noun formed from "teeter" plus the agentive suffix "-er," meaning one who teeters. The base verb "teeter" is itself a frequentative-style formation with a long history of wobbling, rocking motion, so the suffix does the work of turning that action into a person or thing that performs it. The plural adds only the ordinary "-s" to the noun. Its sense extends the literal image of a rocking or unbalanced body to people who waver between opposing positions, which is the figurative use the definition describes.

Synonyms: wobblers, totterers, staggerers, falterers, shakers

Antonyms: steady, stable, firm, balanced, secure