Flaky: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when describing something that easily breaks into small, thin pieces, often in the context of pastries or certain types of paint or skin. It can also describe someone unreliable or inconsistent.

• The croissant was delicious and flaky.
• Her skin became dry and flaky in the winter.
• He's a bit flaky; you can't always count on him.

Use when talking about something that easily breaks into smaller chunks or crumbs. Often used for food items like cheese, cookies, or soil.

• The crumbly cheese melted in my mouth.
• The cookie was old and had become crumbly.

Spelling variation of 'flaky'. It has the same meanings and is used in the same contexts.

• The pastry was so flakey and delicious.
• His flakey behavior makes it hard to rely on him.

Use for describing something hard but likely to break or shatter easily upon impact. Commonly applied to materials like metal, glass, or emotional states.

• The brittle glass shattered into a thousand pieces.
• She has a brittle temper these days.

Used to describe a person who is often unreliable or unpredictable. Typically, it has a somewhat casual or colloquial tone.

• Sarah can be so flaky; she always cancels plans at the last minute.
• I wouldn't depend on him to show up; he's really flaky.

Describes someone or something that cannot be depended on or trusted. This term is more formal and has a clear negative connotation.

• Tom is so unreliable; he always forgets his commitments.
• This data is unreliable and cannot be used for the report.

Often used in the context of performance, behavior, or quality that changes frequently and lacks a steady pattern.

• Her work has been inconsistent this month, and it's affecting the project.
• The judge's rulings appear to be inconsistent, leading to uncertainty.

Used when behavior or actions are highly unpredictable and inconsistent, often in a negative sense. It can refer to both people and things.

• His driving is so erratic that I'm scared to get in the car with him.
• The weather has been erratic lately, making it hard to plan outdoor activities.