Meaning & Definition of word "Unreliable"
to
Unreliable
/ʌn.rɪˈlaɪ.ə.bəl/
adjective:
- 1. not able to be relied upon; not dependable.
- Example: The weather forecast was unreliable, as it completely missed the expected rain.
- 2. Lacking consistency or accuracy.
- Example: His memory of the events was unreliable, leading to confusion during the discussion.
- 3. Subject to change or failure; inconsistent.
- Example: The train service has been unreliable lately, causing many commuters to seek alternative transport.
- 4. Not trustworthy in achieving a certain result.
- Example: The study's results were deemed unreliable due to methodological flaws.
- 5. Not maintaining a standard of quality or performance.
- Example: She decided to stop using that brand of car because it had been consistently unreliable.
Etymology
From un- (not) + reliable (capable of being relied on), first used in the early 20th century.
Common Phrases and Expressions
as reliable as a politician:
Used to indicate someone or something that is not trustworthy or honest.
trustworthy as a broken clock:
Indicates that something is not reliable at all.
Related Words
reliable:
Capable of being relied on; trustworthy.
trustworthy:
Deserving of trust or confidence.
Slang Meanings of unreliable
Meaning: Sketchy
Example Sentence: That company seems sketchy; I wouldn't invest in them.
Meaning: Janky
Example Sentence: This old car is so janky; it breaks down all the time.