patchy

adjective

ˈpa-chē 

patchier; patchiest

1

: marked by, consisting of, or diversified with patches

2

: irregular in appearance, makeup, or quality

patchily

ˈpa-chə-lē 

adverb

patchiness

ˈpa-chē-nəs 

noun

Examples of patchy in a Sentence

The lawn is kind of patchy this year.

Patchy fog made driving difficult.

His knowledge of the language is patchy.

She has only a patchy understanding of his condition.

Recent Examples on the Web

England, which has been patchy so far, poses the sternest test yet for the co-hosts. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 3 July 2026

The top players’ form is patchy or simply undefined. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 27 June 2026

Dragging or wiping the sponge across your skin will lift foundation and create patchy spots. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 2, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026

If your boards look washed out, gray, or patchy compared to when they were first finished, the protective layer is wearing thin. — Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for patchy

• catchy
• scratchy
• apache
• malachi

Kids Definition

patchy

adjective

ˈpach-ē 

patchier; patchiest

: consisting of or marked by patches : resembling patchwork