flakiness

1 of 2

noun (1)

flak·​i·​ness ˈflā-kē-nəs 

: the quality or state of being composed of flakes or of tending to separate into or peel in flakes

The flour (high or low protein) plays a role in the final tenderness of pastry, but it's the amount and distribution of the fat through the flour that determine the pastry's flakiness.

—Shirley Corriher

flakiness

2 of 2

noun (2)

1

: lack of reliability : the tendency to behave or perform undependably

Mobile phones make it all too easy to cancel plans at the last minute, but social flakiness isn't a recipe for health and happiness—or good for our relationships.

—Anna Hart

This free utility takes a look at your hard drives and ferrets out any physical errors it finds, so you know what might be causing random crashes or system flakiness.

—Lisa Hoover

2

: peculiarity or eccentricity in thinking or behavior

Others claim [Millicent] Fenwick's eccentricity borders on flakiness. Once, during a House debate on whether federal election ballots should be bilingual, Fenwick got up and spoke in fluent Spanish—not on the issue, but on the aesthetic merits of a beautiful language.

—Gioia Diliberto

Examples of flakiness in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

And, as a nice bonus: Their buttery formulas tend to have moisturizing properties that’ll keep flakiness and creasing at bay (perfect for mature skin types, by the way). —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 19 Dec. 2024

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask is a favorite of actress Sydney Sweeney and PEOPLE writers for its ultra-hydrating formula, which soothes skin and reduces flakiness. —Ali Faccenda, People.com, 29 Nov. 2024

Theirs are so tender and lovely, and layers of flakiness. —Bon Appétit, 20 Nov. 2024

This formula is also a favorite amongst our editors, who swear by it for addressing skin dehydration concerns, such as dry patches and flakiness. —Jessie Quinn, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1681, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1965, in the meaning defined at sense 2