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Erratic: meaning, definitions and examples

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erratic

 

[ ɪˈrætɪk ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

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

Synonyms

capricious, inconsistent, unpredictable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
erratic

Best used to describe something or someone whose behavior or performance is unpredictable and not consistent over time. Often used in contexts where unpredictability causes problems.

  • His driving was so erratic that I felt unsafe in the car.
  • The weather has been extremely erratic lately, going from sunny to stormy in a matter of minutes.
unpredictable

Used to describe something or someone whose actions or outcomes cannot be anticipated. It is a general term and can be neutral or negative depending on the context.

  • The stock market is notoriously unpredictable.
  • You never know what to expect with his unpredictable behavior.
inconsistent

Used when referring to something that lacks regularity or steadiness. Often applied in situations where consistency is expected but not delivered.

  • The athlete’s performance has been inconsistent this season.
  • Her work hours are very inconsistent, making it hard to plan anything.
capricious

Typically describes someone who changes their mind suddenly and without good reason. It suggests whimsy but can carry a slightly negative connotation as it implies a lack of responsibility or reliability.

  • The capricious nature of our boss makes it hard to predict what she will want next.
  • Even the most capricious fashion trends are usually embraced by some people.

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 | Noun

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
erratic

Used to describe something that is unpredictable or inconsistent in behavior or pattern. This term often has a negative connotation.

  • His driving was erratic, making it hard to predict his next move
  • The weather has been erratic this month, with sudden changes in temperature
boulder

A large, heavy rock typically found in nature. It usually refers to a rock that is too big to be moved by a person.

  • We climbed over a massive boulder to reach the top of the hill
  • The landscape was dotted with large boulders
stone

Refers to a small piece of rock. It can be used in various contexts, such as construction, landscaping, or even metaphorically.

  • The children skipped stones across the lake
  • The path was lined with colorful stones

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

Etymology

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.

See also: erratically.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,430, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.