240 Another Word for Unreliable? – Unreliable Synonyms & Antonyms

Want to say unreliable differently? Here are other words for unreliable and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.


Meaning of unreliable

The primary meaning of the word "unreliable" is describing something or someone that cannot be trusted or depended upon.

Etymology of unreliable

The word "unreliable" has its roots in the prefix "un-" meaning "not" and "reliable" which comes from the Old French "relier" meaning "to connect or bind".
Historically, the term "unreliable" emerged in the mid-17th century as a negation of the word "reliable", which was initially used to describe something that could be trusted or depended upon.

Synonyms

undependable untrustworthy unreliable irresponsible unaccountable blameworthy censurable culpable reproachable inexcusable unjustifiable flawed faulty defective imperfect inadequate insufficient ineffectual incapable incompetent ineffective inefficacious unproductive unfruitful useless futile vain unavailing inept unfit unqualified unsuitable inapt ill-suited inappropriate inapplicable unworkable impractical nonfunctional dysfunctional fallible erring mistaken erroneous incorrect false untrue misleading deceptive dishonest deceitful insincere unfaithful disloyal treacherous perfidious traitorous duplicitous double-dealing crooked corrupt shady dubious questionable suspect suspicious unconvincing implausible unbelievable inconceivable inconsequential insignificant negligible inconsequential immaterial irrelevant unimportant nonessential dispensable expendable unnecessary needless unwarranted unprovoked unjustified unmerited undeserved unearned unfounded baseless groundless unfounded unreasonable irrational illogical absurd preposterous ridiculous laughable risible farcical comical amusing entertaining diverting

Definitions

  • The Oxford Languages definition of "unreliable" is:
  • - Not able to be trusted or depended upon.
  • - Not consistently good or effective in performance or achievement.
  • * Additional definitions include:
  • - Prone to failure or error.
  • - Lacking in stability or fixity.

Usage Examples

  • The company's unreliable supply chain caused delays in production.
  • * She found the witness to be unreliable due to his inconsistent testimony.
  • * The old car was unreliable and often broke down on the highway.
  • * The researcher's unreliable methodology led to flawed results.
  • * The weather forecast was unreliable, and it ended up raining on the day of the picnic.

Antonyms

dependable trustworthy reliable responsible accountable blameless praiseworthy commendable justifiable flawless faultless perfect adequate sufficient effectual capable competent effective efficacious productive fruitful useful effective valuable viable practical functional infallible inerrant correct true sincere faithful loyal trustworthy honest upright straightforward aboveboard credible plausible believable conceivable significant important essential necessary warranted justified merited deserved earned well-founded reasonable rational logical sensible sound

Related Nouns

failure fault flaw defect imperfection inadequacy insufficiency ineffectiveness incompetence inefficacy unproductiveness unfruitfulness uselessness futility vainness unavailingness ineptness unfitness unqualification unsuitability inaptness inappropriateness inapplicability unworkability impracticality nonfunctionality dysfunctionality fallibility erring mistake error incorrectness falsehood untruth misleadingness deceptiveness dishonesty deceitfulness insincerity unfaithfulness disloyalty treachery perfidy traitorousness duplicity crookedness corruption shadiness dubiousness questionableness suspiciousness unconvincingness implausibility unbelievability inconceivability

Related Verbs

fail fault flaw defect imperil inadequately insufficiently ineffectively incompetently inefficaciously unproductively unfruitfully uselessly futilely vainly unavailingly ineptly unfitly unqualify unsuit inapt inappropriate
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