UNRELIABLE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does unreliable mean? 

• UNRELIABLE (adjective)
  The adjective UNRELIABLE has 4 senses:

1. liable to be erroneous or misleading

2. not worthy of reliance or trust

3. dangerously unstable and unpredictable

4. lacking a sense of responsibility

  Familiarity information: UNRELIABLE used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• UNRELIABLE (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Liable to be erroneous or misleading

Synonyms:

undependable; unreliable

Context example:

an undependable generalization

Similar:

fallible (likely to fail or make errors)

Derivation:

unreliableness (the trait of not being dependable or reliable)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Not worthy of reliance or trust

Synonyms:

undependable; unreliable

Context example:

an undependable assistant

Similar:

erratic; temperamental (likely to perform unpredictably)

uncertain (not consistent or dependable)

unsound (of e.g. advice)

Also:

untrustworthy; untrusty (not worthy of trust or belief)

Antonym:

reliable (worthy of reliance or trust)

Derivation:

unreliability; unreliableness (the trait of not being dependable or reliable)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Dangerously unstable and unpredictable

Synonyms:

treacherous; unreliable

Context example:

an unreliable trestle

Similar:

dangerous; unsafe (involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm)

Derivation:

unreliableness (the trait of not being dependable or reliable)

Sense 4

Meaning:

Lacking a sense of responsibility

Similar:

irresponsible (showing lack of care for consequences)

Derivation:

unreliability; unreliableness (the trait of not being dependable or reliable)