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

Eventually, sunshine started breaking through and storm coverage became more spotty during the afternoon. — Rachael Jay, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026

At 5-foot-9, 183 pounds, Flowers has not been a huge red zone threat, and the Ravens’ deep passing game has been spotty in recent years. — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

The pattern looks unsettled into the weekend with spotty rain chances. — Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026

Only spotty showers and storms are expected, about 20% over the next couple days. — Howard Cohen july 29, Miami Herald, 29 July 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