Streaky: meaning, definitions and examples

Describes something with irregular or uneven marks or lines, especially when some parts are stained or smudged. This can often have a slightly negative connotation.

• The window was streaky after being wiped with a dirty cloth.
• His face was streaky with sweat and grime after running the marathon.

Refers to something with long, narrow bands of color or texture, typically in a regular pattern. Commonly used in fashion, textiles, and descriptions of animals.

• She wore a striped shirt with red and white lines.
• The zebra is a striped animal.

Denotes something marked with long, thin lines or streaks, often implying a natural occurrence or a result of movement. This word is relatively neutral but can sometimes imply imperfection.

• Her hair was streaked with grey.
• The sky was streaked with clouds at sunset.

Used to describe something with distinct, evenly spaced bands or stripes, usually in terms of color or pattern. It's often used in scientific or descriptive contexts, such as describing animals or minerals.

• The banded lizard has bright yellow and black stripes.
• The geologist examined the banded rock formation.

Used to describe something with different colors, especially in irregular patterns or patches. It's commonly used in gardening and nature descriptions to denote diversity in color.

• The variegated leaves of the plant have shades of green and white.
• The butterfly had variegated wings with spots of blue, yellow, and black.

Best used when describing performance that has periods of high and low success, particularly in sports or games.

• The basketball player's streaky shooting made it hard to predict his performance each game

Used when something or someone does not follow a regular pattern or standard, often leading to unreliable results.

• The student's inconsistent attendance affected his grades

Applies when behavior or performance is highly unpredictable and irregular, often in a way that seems unstable or unreliable.

• Her erratic driving scared all the passengers in the car

Describes something that cannot be easily forecasted or expected, often due to a lack of patterns or variance.

• The weather in this region is very unpredictable, so always carry an umbrella

Best used when referring to something that changes or varies, often with an implication of adjustment or flexibility.

• The variable interest rates make long-term financial planning challenging