Erratic describes something or someone that is not consistent, irregular, or unpredictable in behavior, movement, or performance. It’s often used to highlight instability or a lack of reliability.
Definition
Erratic (adjective):
- Not even or regular in pattern or movement; unpredictable.
- Deviating from the usual or proper course in behavior or opinion.
- “His erratic driving made everyone in the car nervous.”
- “The artist was known for her erratic moods and bursts of inspiration.”
Synonyms
- Unstable
- Inconsistent
- Irregular
- Unreliable
- Capricious
- Spasmodic
Antonyms
- Steady
- Predictable
- Consistent
- Reliable
- Regular
Examples in Sentences
- “The stock market has been erratic this week due to economic uncertainty.”
- “Her erratic attendance made it hard to keep her on the team.”
- “Lightning struck in an erratic pattern across the sky.”
Common Uses
- Behavior: Describing someone whose actions or emotions fluctuate unpredictably.
- Movement: Referring to jerky or uneven motions (e.g., erratic flight of a bird).
- Performance: Describing inconsistent results, like erratic test scores or effort.