Undependably Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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?

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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'undependably'

Main points about word origin

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.

The word 'undependably' is a combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'dependable', which comes from the Latin word 'dependere' meaning 'to hang from'. The concept of dependability has always been important in human interactions and relationships, as it signifies trustworthiness and reliability.