Checkered: meaning, definitions and examples

Suitable for describing something with a pattern of squares, often alternating colors. It can also metaphorically describe a history or career with both good and bad moments.

• He wore a checkered shirt to the party.
• She had a checkered past, full of both successes and failures.

This can be used interchangeably with the first 'checkered', meaning the same thing, often indicating a reputation or history that is mixed with both successes and failures.

• Her career has been checkered, marked by spells of unemployment and significant achievements

Appropriate for describing something that is prone to change or collapse and often has a negative connotation.

• The political situation in the region is highly unstable, leading to concerns among the international community

Best used to describe something that lacks regularity or steadiness.

• His performance on the team was inconsistent, often great in one game and poor in the next

Important when describing something that changes frequently and unpredictably over time.

• The stock market has been fluctuating wildly due to economic uncertainty