Undependably: meaning, definitions and examples

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undependably

 

[ˌəndɪˈpendəbli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

inconsistently

In an undependable manner; not reliably or consistently.

Synonyms

inconsistently, inconstantly, unreliably.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
undependably

This word is used to describe something or someone that cannot be trusted to act consistently or reliably. It often has a negative connotation.

  • He performs his duties undependably; you never know if he'll complete the tasks on time
inconstantly

This word is less common and often refers to a lack of loyalty or steadiness. It can be used in both personal and professional contexts.

  • He loves her inconstantly, showing great affection one day and cold indifference the next
unreliably

This word is used for people or things that cannot be relied upon to deliver consistent results or actions. It is often used in technical or professional contexts.

  • The software functions unreliably, sometimes crashing without warning
inconsistently

This word indicates a lack of steady behavior or performance. It's suitable for situations where actions or results vary unpredictably.

  • The team plays inconsistently, sometimes winning games decisively and other times losing by large margins

Examples of usage

  • She performed undependably at work, often missing deadlines.
  • The weather in this region changes undependably throughout the day.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The prefix 'un-' means 'not', while 'dependable' comes from Old French 'dépendre', meaning 'to hang from'.
  • Adding 'ly' at the end creates an adverb form, indicating how something is done.
  • The word highlights the contrast between reliability and unreliability.

Psychology

  • Trust issues often link to experiences where people feel let down by someone close, leading to feelings of unpredictability.
  • Research shows that being deemed undependable can impact one’s relationships, both personally and professionally.
  • Humans often weigh past experiences more heavily when deciding if someone is dependable or not.

Literature

  • Characters described as undependable often serve as critical plot devices that create tension in stories.
  • In literature, unreliable narrators can be seen as undependable, leading readers to question the truth behind their stories.
  • Classic novels often explore themes of trust and betrayal, depicting characters who are labeled as undependable.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often portray friendships torn apart by undependable behavior, showcasing the emotional fallout.
  • TV shows frequently use the trope of an undependable character to create comedic situations, as their antics lead to unexpected outcomes.
  • Songs about heartbreak often reference undependable partners, emphasizing feelings of love and disappointment.

Business

  • In professional settings, being seen as undependable can significantly damage reputations and limit career opportunities.
  • Team dynamics suffer when members are perceived as undependable, often resulting in reduced productivity and morale.
  • Effective communication and consistency are critical to cultivating a dependable reputation in business.

Translations

Translations of the word "undependably" in other languages:

🇵🇹 de forma não confiável

🇮🇳 अविश्वसनीय रूप से

🇩🇪 unzuverlässig

🇮🇩 tidak dapat diandalkan

🇺🇦 ненадійно

🇵🇱 niewiarygodnie

🇯🇵 信頼できない方法で

🇫🇷 de manière peu fiable

🇪🇸 de manera poco fiable

🇹🇷 güvenilmez bir şekilde

🇰🇷 신뢰할 수 없게

🇸🇦 بشكل غير موثوق

🇨🇿 nespolehlivě

🇸🇰 nespoľahlivo

🇨🇳 不可靠地

🇸🇮 nezanesljivo

🇮🇸 óáreiðanlega

🇰🇿 сенімсіз түрде

🇬🇪 არასანდოობით

🇦🇿 etibarsız şəkildə

🇲🇽 de manera poco fiable