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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unreliable
Zoomers are also drinking less alcohol than previous generations, eschewing a traditional if unreliable shortcut to human connection—i.e., getting wasted and taking someone home.
—
Jia Tolentino, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
Some stablecoins have drawn scrutiny in the past over concerns that their reserves were insufficient or relied on mechanisms that would unreliable in times of market stress.
—Jesse Pound, CNBC, 21 June 2025
The rationing system, long unreliable, collapsed entirely under the weight of the lockdown.
—Will Ripley, CNN Money, 18 June 2025
Crucial messages embedded where our unreliable narrator just glimpses them, struggling against herself to see.
—Erin Khuê Ninh
june 17, Literary Hub, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unreliable
Jia Tolentino, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
Some stablecoins have drawn scrutiny in the past over concerns that their reserves were insufficient or relied on mechanisms that would unreliable in times of market stress.
—Jesse Pound, CNBC, 21 June 2025
The rationing system, long unreliable, collapsed entirely under the weight of the lockdown.
—Will Ripley, CNN Money, 18 June 2025
Crucial messages embedded where our unreliable narrator just glimpses them, struggling against herself to see.
—Erin Khuê Ninh
june 17, Literary Hub, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unreliable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unreliable
Adjective
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China’s export growth has shown some resilience in recent months, even as the erratic U.S. tariff policies disrupted global trade.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
9 July 2025
-
The plane made erratic maneuvers and several mayday calls before disappearing, the report said.—
Perry Vandell,
AZCentral.com,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
The match was a shaky one for Anisimova, who made 28 unforced errors.—
Grace Jordan-Weinstein,
People.com,
12 July 2025
-
Alcaraz played a shaky game with a double fault and then a long forehand on Fritz’s chip return on set point.—
Adam Zagoria,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
Look for inconsistent job titles, company descriptions, locations and services across all platforms.—
Don Dodds,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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While the company claims that garbage pickup is continuing in all affected areas, many residents and businesses report delays and inconsistent service.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
14 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
-
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
-
Not for the first time, Superman’s opponents try to paint him as an untrustworthy foreigner.—
Jake Coyle,
Mercury News,
10 July 2025
-
However, this would leave us in a fiscal situation similar to that of many developing nations, with galloping inflation and untrustworthy currency.—
Ivo Welch,
Boston Herald,
8 July 2025
Adjective
-
Unlike cheaper rebounders that can feel stiff or unpredictable, this one stays sturdy and responsive.—
Jordan Galloway,
SELF,
15 July 2025
-
Not pleased by the unpredictable nature of MP stock?—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
Whether or not all these pricing updates are related to tariffs is unclear, but the volatile trade war has brought uncertainty.—
Julian Chokkattu,
Wired News,
10 July 2025
-
That matters for investors seeking capital preservation as equity and bond markets remain volatile.—
Artem Milinchuk,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
For manufacturers using Odoo, a strategic approach to agentic AI can help prepare for unstable markets, rising costs, shifting customer demands and hostile geopolitics.—
Dmitriy Stepanov,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
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But Haiti remains unstable, Columbus' Manuel said, disputing the government's claim that conditions have improved there.—
Danae King,
USA Today,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unreliable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unreliable. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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