as in erratic
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly
I wouldn't count on him to show up for the play—he's pretty unreliable. She drives her car locally, but worries it's too unreliable for longer trips.
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Recent Examples of unreliable
Before the 1990s, federal tornado data was inconsistent and unreliable, lacking a comprehensive reporting system.
—
Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
But even an evolutionary leap in brainpower wouldn’t change the fact that humans are complex, emotional, self-deceiving, unreliable narrators.
—Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 30 June 2025
While introducing a range of endearingly unreliable characters, the action rolls out a succession of comically absurd situations that provide laughs from the film’s beginning to its end.
—Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
However, by 2024, this gimbal had grown unreliable due to age, and so the Climate Sounder now relies on the standard 28-degree rolls to make its observations.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for unreliable
Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
But even an evolutionary leap in brainpower wouldn’t change the fact that humans are complex, emotional, self-deceiving, unreliable narrators.
—Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 30 June 2025
While introducing a range of endearingly unreliable characters, the action rolls out a succession of comically absurd situations that provide laughs from the film’s beginning to its end.
—Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
However, by 2024, this gimbal had grown unreliable due to age, and so the Climate Sounder now relies on the standard 28-degree rolls to make its observations.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for unreliable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unreliable
Adjective
-
Even if that happens, however, Sternberg would still receive the 2025 World Series trophy if the Rays rebound from an erratic first half to win their first world championship.—
Dan Schlossberg,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
-
There is yet another small chance for thunderstorms this afternoon, ten percent likelihood or less, with the main threats of any storms that are able to develop being lightning and gusty and erratic outflow winds.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
16 July 2025
Adjective
-
In March, as President Trump talked up his plan to impose double-digit tariffs on most countries around the world, a clutch of major U.S. airlines dimmed their 2025 forecasts, citing dipping consumer confidence and shaky macroeconomic conditions.—
Suzanne Rowan Kelleher,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
-
Following a slew of injuries and shaky performances, the team has little choice but to add at least one relief arm in the near future.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 July 2025
Adjective
-
While Salesforce tries to make this as painless as possible, its UI/UX can be inconsistent and create bottlenecks during onboarding.—
Andrii Kovalchuk,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
-
The company's customer service is known for being inconsistent.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
25 July 2025
Adjective
-
But while the stock market is often a fickle friend, as are commodities such as oil and natural gas, wheat and corn, part of what was so shocking in 2022 was the simultaneous slump in government and corporate bonds, which proved as undependable as stocks.—
,
CNBC,
18 Feb. 2025
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Food, water and other resources would have to be shipped from home, at distances that make the supply frighteningly undependable.—
Michael Hiltzik,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Oct. 2024
Adjective
-
Invest In Ethics And Alignment: Build teams focused on long-term risks and socially responsible development. • Promote Transparency: Opaque systems are untrustworthy.—
Srinivasa Rao Bittla,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
-
Davis’ attorney, Bradley Kraemer, portrayed those witnesses as untrustworthy and argued that Hart acted alone.—
Quinlan Bentley,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Adjective
-
Unlike cheaper rebounders that can feel stiff or unpredictable, this one stays sturdy and responsive.—
Jordan Galloway,
SELF,
15 July 2025
-
Scientists believe these unpredictable, destructive storms are linked to climate change.—
Opheli Garcia Lawler,
Travel + Leisure,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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Create Short-term and Long-term Business Plans When getting your business off the ground, the beginning is often the most volatile time.—
Rhett Buttle,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
-
Traditionally, buyers use their personal bank accounts to buy a stablecoin, and then use the stablecoin to trade for some other kind of more volatile crypto, such as Bitcoin or something else.—
Allison Pecorin,
ABC News,
18 July 2025
Adjective
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And the economy, right now, feels unstable to many, as grocery prices rise and the job market goes on a diet.—
Sophie Levenson,
Chicago Tribune,
20 July 2025
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According to a report released in April, 72% of clients of reentry welcome centers across the state between June 2023 and May 2024 reported having unstable housing situations.—
Emilia Otte,
Hartford Courant,
19 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unreliable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unreliable. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.
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