Doddering

/ˈdɒdərɪŋ/ adjective

Definition

Moving unsteadily or shakily, typically due to old age or weakness; trembling or wavering.

Etymology

From dodder plus the present participle suffix -ing. Used as both a verb form and adjective since the 17th century.

Kelly Says

Doddering has become the cultural shorthand for 'old and unreliable'—politicians use it against each other, writers use it to signal a character's decline—but it's actually a pretty accurate description of aging bodies that doctors use too.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.