spotty

adjective

spot·​ty ˈspä-tē 

spottier; spottiest

1

: marked with spots : spotted

2

: lacking uniformity especially in quality

the performance was spotty

also : irregularly or sparsely distributed

spotty attendance

spotty data

spottily

ˈspä-tə-lē 

adverb

spottiness

ˈspä-tē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of spotty

• sporadic
• intermittent
• occasional
• erratic

Examples of spotty in a Sentence

Her work has been spotty.

The service at that restaurant is a little spotty.

students with spotty attendance records

Recent Examples on the Web

But nature doesn't always adhere to moderation, and too much snow can contribute to spotty areas of dead and damaged grass in spring. —Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 13 Jan. 2026

But the show’s anemic plot and spotty attempts at humor also raise questions about the health of the franchise. —Judy Berman, Time, 13 Jan. 2026

Rain chances are limited, with only spotty light showers possible and little, if any, accumulation. —Brandi D. Addison, IndyStar, 12 Jan. 2026

As for the ultimate impact on Oscars, the Globes have a spotty record; depends on the year. —Pete Hammond, Deadline, 12 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for spotty

• dotty
• doughty
• draughty
• haughty
• knotty
• naughty
• potty
• scottie
• strati
• zloty
• basmati
• bharati

Kids Definition

spotty

adjective

spot·​ty ˈspät-ē 

spottier; spottiest

1

: having spots

2

: not always the same especially in quality

your work has been spotty

spottily

ˈspät-ᵊl-ē 

adverb

spottiness

ˈspät-ē-nəs 

noun