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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unreliable
That means dealing with finicky carburetors, stiff manual steering, unreliable drum brakes, and a minimalist interior.
—
Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2025
Now that the United States has become an unreliable ally, one path that countries seeking protection could take is resourcing extended deterrence from a different provider.
—Gideon Rose, Foreign Affairs, 8 Mar. 2025
The company paid by the state Division of Family and Children Services to perform drug tests is at the center of a complain that says up to 30% of its tests are unreliable due to inadequate protocols.
—Thomas Wheatley, Axios, 7 Mar. 2025
Araghchi's remarks align with Iran's longstanding position that alliances with the U.S. are unreliable.
—Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unreliable
Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2025
Now that the United States has become an unreliable ally, one path that countries seeking protection could take is resourcing extended deterrence from a different provider.
—Gideon Rose, Foreign Affairs, 8 Mar. 2025
The company paid by the state Division of Family and Children Services to perform drug tests is at the center of a complain that says up to 30% of its tests are unreliable due to inadequate protocols.
—Thomas Wheatley, Axios, 7 Mar. 2025
Araghchi's remarks align with Iran's longstanding position that alliances with the U.S. are unreliable.
—Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unreliable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unreliable
Adjective
-
And as it’s been for most of the last few weeks, the market’s slide on Tuesday was erratic and dizzying.—
Stan Choe,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2025
-
In the year before she was killed, Mary had called BSO 14 times regarding Nathan’s threats and increasingly erratic behavior, according to a log of BSO calls that the Herald reviewed.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Throughout last year art dealers have spoken about tough market conditions and a shaky financial climate.—
Daniel Cassady,
ARTnews.com,
14 Mar. 2025
-
Mark forms a shaky alliance in an all-or-nothing play, while the team makes a dangerous last stand.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
However, the Jets’ defense was inconsistent after Robert Saleh’s firing following a 2-3 start.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
16 Mar. 2025
-
But uneven rain patterns across the state mean the wildflower situation will be inconsistent.—
Kevinisha Walker,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Mar. 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
-
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
-
However, should untrustworthy individuals gain access to your Gemini app, the potential for misuse remains high.—
Paul Monckton,
Forbes,
10 Mar. 2025
-
Russia will come up with new, complex, and far-reaching demands, with strategic stability issues, regarding U.S. military installations in eastern Europe and will turn out to be an expensive and untrustworthy partner.—
Wolfgang Ischinger,
Foreign Affairs,
2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Sometimes, as today’s business leaders are well aware, the future is unpredictable, and its demands are unprecedented.—
Anar Mammadov,
Forbes,
17 Mar. 2025
-
March Madness will always be unpredictable—but that doesn't mean your bracket has to be.—
Kilty Cleary,
Newsweek,
17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
His masculinity, though less volatile, is as stunted as Stanley’s.—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2025
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While many are penciling in lower stock values due to higher risks of a recession and elevated inflation due to a rising chance of a trade war, others say the volatile stock market needs some context.—
Medora Lee,
USA TODAY,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
On the flip side, the cushy, rocker-bottom shoe that makes your miles feel oh-so-smooth can leave you wobbly and unstable in the weight room.—
Cindy Kuzma,
SELF,
11 Mar. 2025
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Our dependence on oil puts countless service members’ lives at risk and reinforces our reliance on a volatile and unstable global market with the potential to devastate the U.S. economy.—
James Brock,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unreliable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unreliable. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
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