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

Those dealing with scalp conditions such as psoriasis, folliculitis, or seborrheic dermatitis may experience worsened irritation and visible flakiness that, beyond being visually distracting, can be quite uncomfortable. —Tayler Adigun, Essence, 9 Oct. 2024

The Scalp Relief Tonic, in particular, eases itchiness and inflammation quickly with the help of soothing cica, chamomile, and rosemary oil, while hydrating panthenol, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid help prevent future dryness and flakiness from occurring. —Devon Abelman, Allure, 2 Oct. 2024

Its potent blend of Latin American açai and babassu oils, castor oil, and aloe vera calms itchiness, cuts down on build-up and flakiness, and sustains your curls. —Malia Griggs, Glamour, 25 July 2024

An easy way to tell if your skin’s pH balance is off is by looking for flakiness and redness. —Larry Stansbury, Essence, 10 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1681, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1965, in the meaning defined at sense 2