erratic

[ih-rat-ik] / ɪˈræt ɪk /

ADJECTIVE

unpredictable; wandering

Synonyms

STRONGEST

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

WEAK

aberrant anomalous changeable desultory devious dicey directionless dubious fitful flaky fluctuant idiosyncratic iffy incalculable inconstant meandering nomadic oddball peculiar planetary rambling roving shifting spasmodic strange stray undirected unnatural vagarious variable

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calm common normal reasonable regular sensible stable standard steadfast steady unchanging usual

WEAK

certain consistent definite dependable predictable reliable sure

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Both rates rose in the month, and both groups have seen more erratic employment trends this year.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

The Atlantic’s Sarah Fitzpatrick reportedly became the subject of a criminal leak probe after she reported on Patel’s alleged drinking and erratic management of the bureau.

From Salon • May 16, 2026

Masters champion Rory McIlroy's gameplan of bashing the driver as far as possible came unstuck late on in his round after more erratic tee-shots.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

The jobs report has been up and down lately — some economists would say erratic — and it’s hard to find a major improvement in hiring trends.

From MarketWatch • May 7, 2026

“Focusing on things other than driving, and erratic driving, are the very definition of negligence,” Bunderson wrote.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel

Vocabulary lists containing erratic

To Kill a Mockingbird

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List 1

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"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 1–6

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