variants
or less commonly flakey
flakier; flakiest
flakier; flakiest
1
2
informal
: not reliable in performance or behavior : undependable
a flaky mechanism
You'll want to make sure that all the technology tools you need to effectively and efficiently serve clients are in full working order and that you won't need to worry about wasting time and money fixing broken hardware or flaky software.—
Henry B. Chace
Henry B. Chace… digital crutches trump face-to-face talking (even phone calls), encouraging people to be flaky and evasive …—Charlotte Liberman
Charlotte LibermanExamples of flaky in a Sentence
Adjective (1)
a tender but flaky crust on the pastry
Recent Examples on the Web
Essence, 8 Oct. 2025
Unlike most waterproof formulas that can leave lashes feeling stiff or flaky, this one keeps them soft and lifted while delivering major volume.
—Lily Wohlner, Allure, 8 Oct. 2025
Make a batch of these flaky, buttery hand pies, and stash them in your freezer for busy weeknights.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
Ophelia is driven to madness after the murder of her father and flaky romantic advances from Hamlet, and before long, takes her own life.
—Jaeden Pinder, Pitchfork, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flaky
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Adjective
Meanwhile, if your skin is dry and flaky, a hydration facial may rely more on steaming, masks, and humectant-rich products.
—Essence, 8 Oct. 2025
Unlike most waterproof formulas that can leave lashes feeling stiff or flaky, this one keeps them soft and lifted while delivering major volume.
—Lily Wohlner, Allure, 8 Oct. 2025
Make a batch of these flaky, buttery hand pies, and stash them in your freezer for busy weeknights.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
Ophelia is driven to madness after the murder of her father and flaky romantic advances from Hamlet, and before long, takes her own life.
—Jaeden Pinder, Pitchfork, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flaky
Cite this Entry
“Flaky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flaky. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.
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