WordGarden.iospotty
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /spˈɒti/
US
- /ˈspɑti/
Meanings
Adjective
irregular, uneven, or unreliable in quality, performance, or occurrence
marked with spots or small blemishes, especially on skin or fur
Beyond the definition
Imagine a Dalmatian puppy - that's spotty! It means covered in clear spots or patches. But "spotty" is not just about how something looks. A spotty record is uneven, with good parts and weak parts. You might say a student has spotty attendance if they often miss class. The word often suggests that something is incomplete or inconsistent.
Think of a leopard's coat, a damp wall, or even a Wi-Fi signal that keeps cutting out - all spotty! The word can describe something with irregular marks or something that works in an unreliable way. A spotty performance means there were some good moments, but not steady quality.
The word "spotty" first brings to mind something marked with spots or patches, like a leopard's fur or skin with small blemishes. It can describe a surface where patches of color, damage, or texture break up the overall look. "The old wallpaper was peeling and spotty with damp."
However, "spotty" is also used in a more general way. It can describe something unreliable, irregular, or uneven. A spotty employment history means there are gaps or weak periods in someone's work record. A spotty service connection means it works at times, but not steadily.
The key idea behind "spotty" is irregularity. It suggests a lack of smoothness, uniformity, or consistency. Think about a spotty internet connection: it works sometimes, but drops out without warning. Or a spotty memory: some parts are clear, while others are missing.
Historically, "spot" meant a small mark or stain. Over time, the adjective "spotty" came to describe not only things with visible spots, but also things with breaks, gaps, or uneven quality. So whether you are describing a marked surface, uneven attendance, or a weak connection, the word points to the same basic idea: something is not smooth, complete, or dependable.
Examples
- 1
Internet connection
The Wi-Fi is a bit spotty in the back room.
- 2
Cell service
We had spotty cell service for most of the drive through the mountains.
- 3
Attendance
His attendance has been spotty this term, so he’s fallen behind.
- Phrasespotty attendance
not regular or consistent
- 4
Team performance
The team’s performance has been spotty this season.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Memory
My memory of that conversation is pretty spotty now.
- Phrasespotty memory
you remember some parts but not others
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- spotty service
- spotty coverage
- spotty record
Word family
- spottiness
- spottier
Explore
- quality variation
- network reliability
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- spottyadjective
Forms
- spottiercomparativeadjective
- spottiestsuperlativeadjective