French translation of teetering is 
vacille

Meaning of "teetering" in English

"Teetering" refers to the act of moving or balancing unsteadily or being in a condition of uncertainty or instability. Typically, it describes a physical or metaphorical state where there is a risk of collapse or failure. For example, a person might be described as teetering on the edge of a cliff, suggesting they are dangerously close to falling. Metaphorically, a business might be teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, indicating its precarious financial situation. The term conveys vulnerability and the potential for change, either for better or worse.

Meaning of "vacille" in French

"Vacille" in French typically refers to someone or something that wavers, totters, or is unsteady and can relate both to physical balance and to decision-making or emotional states. For instance, when someone "vacille sur ses pieds," it means they are physically unsteady or staggering. Similarly, when used in decision contexts, it can imply hesitancy or indecisiveness akin to wavering between choices. The nuance of instability and a potential for sudden change are central to its usage, making it similar in spirit to its English counterpart, "teetering."

Pronunciation of "teetering" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈtiːtərɪŋ/

Pronunciation Variations: In American English, the pronunciation is generally consistent as /ˈtiːtərɪŋ/. In some British English dialects, the "t" might be pronounced more sharply, but overall variations are minimal.

Pronunciation of "vacille" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /va.sij/

Pronunciation Variations: The pronunciation of "vacille" remains largely consistent across French-speaking regions, though subtle variations might occur based on local accents, such as a softer or more pronounced "v."

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

1. She was teetering on the edge of the platform. (Elle vacillait sur le bord du quai.)
2. The chair was teetering dangerously before he caught it. (La chaise vacillait dangereusement avant qu'il ne la rattrape.)
3. His decisions often leave him teetering between success and failure. (Ses décisions le laissent souvent vaciller entre le succès et l'échec.)
4. The toddler was teetering as she learned to walk. (Le tout-petit vacillait en apprenant à marcher.)
5. The company is teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. (L'entreprise vacille au bord de la faillite.)
6. She felt her emotions teetering towards despair. (Elle sentait ses émotions vaciller vers le désespoir.)
7. The old bridge was teetering under the weight of a truck. (Le vieux pont vacillait sous le poids d'un camion.)
8. He was teetering on his bicycle before gaining balance. (Il vacillait sur son vélo avant de trouver l'équilibre.)
9. The stock market is teetering amid global uncertainties. (Le marché boursier vacille au milieu des incertitudes mondiales.)
10. Her loyalty was teetering after repeated betrayals. (Sa loyauté vacillait après des trahisons répétées.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "teetering" in English

Synonyms: wobbling, swaying, tottering, wavering, balancing, faltering, staggering, hesitating, dallying, dithering.

Antonyms: steady, stable, secure, firm, resolute, decisive, certain, balanced, unwavering, solid.

Similar Words: rocking, oscillating, fluctuating, trembling, quivering, shaking, pendulous, tilting, bobbling, vacillating.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "vacille" in French

Synonyms: oscille, chancelle, titube, hésite, balance, tremble, fléchit, flotte, tangue, hésitation.

Antonyms: stabilise, s'équilibre, résolu, déterminé, ferme, assure, consolide, constant, fixe, immobile.

Similar Words: balance, ondoie, flotte, tressaille, tremblote, agite, vibre, trébuche, penche, dérive.

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