seesawing
Going back, forth
Seesawing is moving back and forth or up and down like a seesaw—the playground equipment where one end rises as the other falls.
The word describes any alternating motion or fluctuation: Stock prices were seesawing all morning.
Opinion polls seesaw, negotiations seesaw, emotions seesaw.
The image captures reciprocal movement where gains on one side mean losses on the other.
Unstably balanced, nearly falling
- rockingOscillating on curved base
- swayingRhythmic lateral movement
- wobblingMoving unsteadily, wavering
- tiltingInclined from vertical
alternating · bobbing · pitching · balancing · pivoting · fluctuating · undulating · swinging
Showing unsteady resolve
- indecisiveUnable to make choices
- flip-floppingRepeatedly reversing one's stance
- hesitantSlow to act
- uncertainNot firmly known
ambivalent · undecided · dithering · irresolute · equivocating · shilly-shallying · torn · waffling
teetering
Unstably balanced, nearly falling
- rockingOscillating on curved base
- swayingRhythmic lateral movement
- wobblingMoving unsteadily, wavering
tilting · alternating · bobbing · pitching · balancing · pivoting · fluctuating · undulating · swinging · pendulum
wavering
Showing unsteady resolve
- indecisiveUnable to make choices
- flip-floppingRepeatedly reversing one's stance
- hesitantSlow to act
uncertain · ambivalent · undecided · dithering · irresolute · equivocating · shilly-shallying · torn · waffling · changing one's mind
- recess gamestag, hopscotch, jump rope, hide and seek, duck duck goose
seesawingstable
Secure and unchanging
steady · constant · unchanging · consistent · stabilizing
seesawingresolute
Fixed in purpose
decisive · unwavering · steadfast · committed · determined