doddering

American  

[dod-er-ing] / ˈdɒd ər ɪŋ /

Also doddery

adjective

1. shaky or trembling, as from old age; tottering.

   a doddering old man.

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doddering British  

/ ˈdɒdərɪŋ /

adjective

1. shaky, feeble, or infirm, esp from old age

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Etymology

Origin of doddering

First recorded in 1735–45; dodder ¹ + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Offstage, he was a doddering, stammering dad shuffling around rooms bustling with yapping tiny dogs urinating everywhere.

From Salon

The majority of Carvey's recent "Saturday Night Live" appearances showed off his doddering and bewildered take on Joe Biden.

From Salon

The Marquess of Tilbury’s doddering hand rose to his pocket handkerchief.

From Literature

Whereas he once presented himself as a vain peacock, Clay here comes off as spacey and a bit doddering, swaddled in scarves and wide sunglasses and outfits Susie Essman might wear on “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”

From New York Times

Some aides, according to Axios, wish Mr. Biden would more often show this side of him to counter concerns that the 80-year-old is too doddering for office amid frequent oral gaffes.

From Washington Times