Unreliable

/ʌn.rɪˈlaɪ.ə.bəl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

not able to be relied upon; not dependable.

The weather forecast was unreliable, as it completely missed the expected rain.

Lacking consistency or accuracy.

His memory of the events was unreliable, leading to confusion during the discussion.

Subject to change or failure; inconsistent.

The train service has been unreliable lately, causing many commuters to seek alternative transport.

Not trustworthy in achieving a certain result.

The study's results were deemed unreliable due to methodological flaws.

Not maintaining a standard of quality or performance.

She decided to stop using that brand of car because it had been consistently unreliable.

From un- (not) + reliable (capable of being relied on), first used in the early 20th century.

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.

reliable

Capable of being relied on; trustworthy.

trustworthy

Deserving of trust or confidence.

Sketchy

That company seems sketchy; I wouldn't invest in them.

Janky

This old car is so janky; it breaks down all the time.