unreliable

adjective

un·​re·​li·​able ˌən-ri-ˈlī-ə-bəl How to pronounce unreliable (audio)
Synonyms of unreliablenext
: not reliable : undependable, untrustworthy
an unreliable friend
an unreliable source of funding
an unreliable car
unreliability noun
the unreliability of the data
a person with a reputation for unreliability
unreliably adverb
a method that works unreliably

Examples of unreliable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Under Newsom, the state budget grew more than 60%, with unreliable revenue streams and unsustainable levels of spending. Matt Fleming, Oc Register, 26 Jan. 2026 The shift is especially important with the bloc’s alternative to Russian LNG — Washington — becoming increasingly unreliable and willing to weaponize economic tools. Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 22 Jan. 2026 Airport officials also say there are too many crashes, unreliable travel time, and maintenance needs. Brian Sherrod, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026 How unreliable memory is, and how abrupt, fragmented and also associative. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unreliable

Word History

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unreliable was in 1810

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Cite this Entry

“Unreliable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unreliable. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

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