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

Rain will develop across northern and central Minnesota in the morning hours, with coverage remaining spotty. — Joseph Dames, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

However, this is becoming a theme for Ewers, who started the final three games last season as a rookie seventh-round draft pick but has been spotty in camp. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026

The inside of this sculptural detail featured an unusual abstract black spotty pattern. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026

Peterson recommends keeping a few backup tools on hand for situations where severe weather or spotty cell service leaves you in a pinch. — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 11 Aug. 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