patchy

1 of 2

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

patchiness

2 of 2

noun

patch·​i·​ness -chēnə̇s 

plural -es

: the quality or state of being patchy

Examples of patchy in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

Even Kennedy, who has professed a deep interest in fixing the nation’s patchy addiction-treatment infrastructure, has offered no plan for dealing specifically with the country’s favorite drug. — Lev Facher, STAT, 30 June 2026

Given the patchy nature of Paleolithic evidence, this matter has provoked many disagreements, which began long before the publication of The Stone Age Diet. — David Merritt Johns, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026

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

With communication patchy, social media and online registries have become a crucial tool for many Venezuelans seeking information and resources beyond sparse government statistics. — ABC News, 26 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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