steady vs teetering

steady

verb
  • To become stable. 

  • To stabilize; to prevent from shaking. 

noun
  • A rest or support, as for the hand, a tool, or a piece of work. 

  • A regular boyfriend or girlfriend. 

  • A prostitute's regular customer. 

adv
  • To row with pressure at a low stroke-rating, often 18 strokes per minute. 

adj
  • Smooth and not bumpy or with obstructions. 

  • Regular and even. 

  • Constant in feeling, purpose, or pursuit; not fickle, changeable, or wavering; not easily moved or persuaded to alter a purpose; resolute. 

  • Firm in standing or position; not tottering or shaking; fixed; firm. 

  • Slow. 

particle
  • Aspect marker indicating consistency or intensity. 

teetering

noun
  • A precarious motion or situation, risking a fall or collapse. 

How often have the words steady and teetering occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )