erratic

[ih-rat-ik]

adjective

1. deviating from the usual or proper course in conduct or opinion; eccentric.

   erratic behavior.

   Synonyms: capricious, unstable, unpredictable
   Antonyms: stable, regular, consistent

2. inconsistent, irregular, or unpredictable.

   Many factors affect purchasing power, such as inflation and erratic swings in the stock market.

3. having no certain or definite course or pattern; wandering; not fixed.

   erratic winds.

4. Geology.,  noting or pertaining to a boulder or the like carried by glacial ice and deposited some distance from its place of origin.

5. (of a lichen) having no attachment to the surface on which it grows.

noun

1. an erratic or eccentric person.

2. Geology.,  an erratic boulder or the like.

erratic

/ ɪˈrætɪk /

adjective

1. irregular in performance, behaviour, or attitude; inconsistent and unpredictable

2. having no fixed or regular course; wandering

noun

1. a piece of rock that differs in composition, shape, etc, from the rock surrounding it, having been transported from its place of origin, esp by glacial action

2. an erratic person or thing

Other Word Forms

• erratically adverb
• erraticism noun
• nonerratic adjective
• unerratic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of erratic¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English, from Latin errāticus, equivalent to errāt(us) (past participle of errāre “to make a mistake, err” ( err ) + -icus -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of erratic¹

C14: from Latin errāticus, from errāre to wander, _err

Example Sentences

In the Australian Open final, French Open final and Wimbledon semi-finals, an erratic level has led to devastating defeats.

From BBC

She would sometimes use erratic stitching to pattern her clothes or reversible patterns to give a rolled sleeve a bigger pop.

From Los Angeles Times

“Along with a threat of new starts, strong, erratic outflow winds from convective activity can affect fire spread and are a threat to firefighter safety,” the Forest Service wrote in a news release.

From Los Angeles Times

“The safety of our public officials should never be subject to erratic, vindictive political impulses.”

From Los Angeles Times

While she was able to push Sabalenka in Cincinnati, Raducanu was helped by an erratic performance from her opponent and a lack of consistent examination.

From BBC

Related Words

• abnormal 
• arbitrary 
• bizarre 
• capricious 
• eccentric 
• inconsistent 
• irregular 
• mercurial 
• uncertain 
• unreliable 
• unstable 
• unusual 
• volatile 
• wayward 
• weird 
• whimsical