as in erratic
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly
I wouldn't count on him to show up for the play—he's pretty unreliable. She drives her car locally, but worries it's too unreliable for longer trips.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of unreliable
Due to the area's remoteness, cellphone reception is unreliable, leaving staff unable to contact their families.
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Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 12 Dec. 2024
Adding trips to the bank branch or relying on unreliable cash-in-transit services exacerbates this time loss, further pulling focus from value-adding activities such as customer service or inventory management.
—Joe Arrage, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
By seeking a forensic examination to access text messages and metadata, the plaintiffs aimed to move beyond potentially unreliable screenshots to establish a full and accurate picture of the communications, and the court agreed.
—Lars Daniel, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
The long hours and lack of backup have created an environment where human errors are more likely, leading to unreliable tests and creating more work for the lab’s skeleton crew.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unreliable 
Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 12 Dec. 2024
Adding trips to the bank branch or relying on unreliable cash-in-transit services exacerbates this time loss, further pulling focus from value-adding activities such as customer service or inventory management.
—Joe Arrage, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
By seeking a forensic examination to access text messages and metadata, the plaintiffs aimed to move beyond potentially unreliable screenshots to establish a full and accurate picture of the communications, and the court agreed.
—Lars Daniel, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
The long hours and lack of backup have created an environment where human errors are more likely, leading to unreliable tests and creating more work for the lab’s skeleton crew.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unreliable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unreliable
Adjective
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In a February statement, representatives voiced concerns over Williams’ difficulty to process information, her erratic behavior and her struggles to understand financial transactions.Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2024
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Daniel Penny was charged with both second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide in the death of Jordan Neely, who Penny restrained with a chokehold, later saying he felt threatened by Neely’s erratic behavior on the New York subway.Emma Tucker, CNN, 18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The fintech sector, in particular, faced significant headwinds, as overhyped valuations and shaky business models led to disappointing post-IPO performances.Zennon Kapron, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
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Quarterback Quinn Ewers had a little shaky of a game against Clemson but in the end, the Longhorns were too strong.Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The Premier League this season is inconsistent, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.Nick Miller, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024
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Gruden won a Super Bowl against his former Raiders squad in his first year in Tampa, but the rest of his tenure was wildly inconsistent.Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Food, water and other resources would have to be shipped from home, at distances that make the supply frighteningly undependable.Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2024
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With fueling so expensive and stations so undependable, Kiskis — who lives in Pacific Palisades and works at Google in Playa Vista — drives a gasoline Jeep for everything but short trips around the neighborhood.Russ Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2024
Adjective
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Brady has been untrustworthy in the past, but there's such a genuine deep love there.Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 21 Dec. 2024
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Voters ignored the warnings of those who had worked closely with Trump and turned away when he was accused of selfishness and described as being dangerous and untrustworthy.K. Ward Cummings, Baltimore Sun, 10 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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However, logistical challenges, such as unpredictable weather, play a role in these considerations.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
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Lofoten mountain biking trails Though known for unpredictable weather year-round, the islands are driest May through August and get drenched in October.Alexandra Gillespie, Outside Online, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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It's been a volatile year for Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG)—the media company majority owned by President-elect Donald Trump.Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
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In true Mad Max fashion, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is every bit as volatile, visually captivating, and a downright glorious cinematic experience.Grace Dean, Space.com, 24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Shoes for Deep Snow With protective booties that seal out moisture and major traction that grips even in unstable terrain, these shoes are ready for winter fun.Lisa Jhung, Outside Online, 20 Dec. 2024
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For businesses, relying on open-source components without proper vetting is like building a house on unstable foundations.Steve Wilson, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near unreliable
Cite this Entry
“Unreliable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unreliable. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
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