Erratic: meaning, definitions and examples

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erratic

[ ɪˈrætɪk ]

^{Context #1}

behavior

Having no certain or definite course; wandering; not fixed or regular

Synonyms

capricious, inconsistent, unpredictable

Examples of usage

His erratic behavior made it difficult to predict his next move.
The erratic flight path of the moth confused the cat.
She was known for her erratic work schedule.

^{Context #2}

geology

A rock or boulder that differs from the surrounding rock and is believed to have been brought from a distance by glacial action.

Synonyms

boulder, rock, stone

Examples of usage

The erratic was left behind by the retreating glacier.

Translations

Translations of the word "erratic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 errático

🇮🇳 अनियमित

🇩🇪 unberechenbar

🇮🇩 tidak menentu

🇺🇦 непередбачуваний

🇵🇱 nieprzewidywalny

🇯🇵 不規則な

🇫🇷 erratique

🇪🇸 errático

🇹🇷 düzensiz

🇰🇷 불규칙한

🇸🇦 غير منتظم

🇨🇿 nevyzpytatelný

🇸🇰 nepredvídateľný

🇨🇳 不稳定的

🇸🇮 nepredvidljiv

🇮🇸 óstöðugur

🇰🇿 тұрақсыз

🇬🇪 არასტაბილური

🇦🇿 qeyri-sabit

🇲🇽 errático

Word origin

The word 'erratic' originated from the Latin word 'erraticus', meaning 'wandering'. It has been used in English since the late 16th century to describe something that is irregular, unpredictable, or deviating from the usual course. In geology, the term 'erratic' refers to a rock or boulder that has been transported by a glacier and deposited in an area that is different from its place of origin.