Unreliably: meaning, definitions and examples

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unreliably

 

[ ˌʌnrɪˈlaɪəbli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

in a questionable or undependable manner

In a manner that cannot be trusted or relied upon.

Synonyms

inconsistently, undependably, untrustworthily.

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Word Description / Examples
unreliably

This word is used when something or someone fails to perform consistently and can't be trusted to do the expected task. It's often used for systems, machines, or services.

  • The internet connection works unreliably during bad weather.
undependably

This word is often used to describe someone or something you can't depend on. It suggests a broader sense of unreliability and can be applied to both personal and professional contexts.

  • He acts undependably, often forgetting to keep his promises.
untrustworthily

This term carries a strong negative connotation. It is used to describe someone who cannot be trusted due to their behavior or past actions. It's less common in usage.

  • The mechanic behaved untrustworthily, trying to charge for unnecessary repairs.
inconsistently

Use this term when describing actions, behaviors, or outcomes that vary frequently and lack a steady pattern. It applies to both people and processes.

  • She performs inconsistently in her assignments, sometimes doing well and other times poorly.

Examples of usage

  • He completed the task unreliably, causing delays in the project.
  • The data from that source is unreliably inaccurate.
  • She drives unreliably, often breaking traffic rules.
  • The machine operates unreliably, sometimes failing to function properly.
  • The weather forecast has been unreliably predicting rain.

Translations

Translations of the word "unreliably" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pouco confiável

🇮🇳 अविश्वसनीय रूप से

🇩🇪 unzuverlässig

🇮🇩 tidak dapat diandalkan

🇺🇦 ненадійно

🇵🇱 niewiarygodnie

🇯🇵 信頼性のない

🇫🇷 de manière peu fiable

🇪🇸 de manera poco fiable

🇹🇷 güvenilmez bir şekilde

🇰🇷 신뢰할 수 없게

🇸🇦 بشكل غير موثوق

🇨🇿 nespolehlivě

🇸🇰 nespoľahlivo

🇨🇳 不可靠地

🇸🇮 nezanesljivo

🇮🇸 óáreiðanlegt

🇰🇿 сенімсіз түрде

🇬🇪 არამყარი

🇦🇿 etibarsızca

🇲🇽 de manera poco fiable

Etymology

The word 'unreliably' is derived from the adjective 'unreliable,' which dates back to the early 19th century. The prefix 'un-' signifies the negation of the word 'reliable,' meaning not able to be trusted or depended on. The adverb form 'unreliably' emerged later to describe actions or behaviors done in a manner that is questionable or undependable. The evolution of this word reflects the importance of reliability in various aspects of life and the consequences of being unreliable in different situations.

See also: reliability, reliable, reliably, reliance, reliant, reliantly, rely, unreliability, unreliable, unreliableness.