erratic
6 synonyms and 1 antonym for erratic, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Unpredictable and inconsistent; changing without any clear pattern.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use erratic
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
erratic behavior
erratic driving
erratic weather patterns
Etymology
From Latin errāticus, "wandering," from errāre, "to wander or stray" — the same root that gives us "error" and "err."
Full origin of erratic →Frequently asked questions
What does “erratic” mean?
The word “erratic” means unpredictable and inconsistent; changing without any clear pattern. In plain terms, behaving or happening in a way that keeps changing unpredictably, with no steady pattern.
How do you pronounce “erratic”?
“Erratic” is pronounced ih-RA-tihk (/ɪˈɹætɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “erratic” in a sentence?
Here is “erratic” used in a sentence: “The bus service has been erratic all week, sometimes early and sometimes an hour late.”
What is the opposite of “erratic”?
The opposite of “erratic” — its antonyms — is consistent.
What part of speech is “erratic”?
Depending on how it is used, “erratic” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “erratic” come from?
The word “erratic” comes from Latin. From Latin errāticus, "wandering," from errāre, "to wander or stray" — the same root that gives us "error" and "err.".
Is “erratic” a common word?
“Erratic” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “erratic” have?
“Erratic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: unpredictable and inconsistent; changing without any clear pattern.
