adj Uncommon

erratic

ih-RA-tihk

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Erratic (adj) means Unpredictable and inconsistent; changing without any clear pattern. Example: “The bus service has been erratic all week, sometimes early and sometimes an hour late.”

adj

Unpredictable and inconsistent; changing without any clear pattern.

"The bus service has been erratic all week, sometimes early and sometimes an hour late."

"His erratic behavior worried his colleagues."

noun

A large boulder carried far from its origin by a glacier and left behind when the ice melted.

"Hikers stopped to photograph the massive granite erratic sitting alone in the field."

How to use erratic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBehaving or happening in a way that keeps changing unpredictably, with no steady pattern.

Common mistake

Erratic describes unpredictable behavior or patterns, not simply "wrong" — a heartbeat can be erratic without being an error.

Common pairings

erratic behavior erratic driving erratic weather patterns

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: erratics
Comparative: more erratic
Superlative: most erratic

Test yourself on “erratic” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The bus service has been _____ all week, sometimes early and sometimes an hour late.

Etymology

From Latin errāticus, "wandering," from errāre, "to wander or stray" — the same root that gives us "error" and "err."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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mercurial wandering temperamental planetary fickle quicksilver

Antonyms

consistent

Related words

normal standard global regular mobile worldwide consistent sensitive

Rhymes for erratic

static somatic aquatic fanatic hepatic lunatic aromatic ecstatic operatic dramatic climatic emphatic

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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.

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