teeter
verb (used without object)
to move unsteadily.
were teetering
-
past progressiveof teeter.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Messi and Co. were teetering on the edge not only of defeat, but of suffering the most ignominious upset in the 96-year history of the tournament.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 4, 2026
Some were teetering on the verge of collapse and others had already fallen.
From Barron's ● Jun. 29, 2026
Cymorth Cymru director Katie Dalton said homelessness services were "teetering on the edge of collapse".
From BBC ● Jan. 3, 2024
The Rams had lost three consecutive games in November and were teetering on elimination from playoff contention when coach Sean McVay made Michel a focal part of the offense.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 20, 2023
The tears were teetering in and out, in and out, and I was trying my best to keep them in.
From "Ghost" by Jason Reynolds
