rickety /ˈɹɪk.ɪ.ti/ adjective3 •Of an object: not strong or sturdy, as because of poor construction or upkeep; not safe or secure.He hesitated about climbing such a small, rickety ladder. •Feeble in the joints; tottering.The rickety old man hardly managed to climb the stairs. •Affected with or suffering from rickets; rachitic. formsmore rickety · ricketier · most rickety · ricketiest