unreliably
gb/ʌnɹˈɛlˈaɪəbli/ us/ʌnɹˈɛlˈaɪəbli/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B2
property
1
not working consistently well
In a way that does not work well every time.
Usage pattern:
[something] works/operates/runs unreliably
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use the adjective *unreliable* instead of the adverb (*It works unreliable* → *It works unreliably*).
Synonyms
inconsistently (Emphasizes a lack of steady, predictable performance.)
|
erratically (Suggests irregular, sometimes sudden changes in behavior.)
|
unpredictably (Focuses on the inability to know what will happen next.)
Antonyms
reliably (Works correctly and predictably.)
|
consistently (Shows the same dependable performance over time.)
Collocations
operate unreliably
|work unreliably
|run unreliably
|perform unreliably
|behave unreliably
|function unreliably
|connect unreliably
|respond unreliably
|start unreliably
|charge unreliably
Themes
daily_life
|technology
|work
Examples
- After the update, the app started crashing and running unreliably.
- The old car’s engine idled unreliably on cold mornings.
- In this area, mobile data connects unreliably during storms.
Learner examples
- My phone works unreliably.
- The printer runs unreliably.
adverb
C1
property
2
not reported or measured accurately
In a way that is not accurate or trustworthy.
Usage pattern:
[something] is reported/measured/remembered/estimated unreliably
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse *unreliably* (how something is reported/measured) with *unreliable* (describing the thing itself).
Synonyms
inaccurately (Directly focuses on being wrong rather than untrustworthy.)
|
dubiously (Adds a tone of skepticism about truth or quality.)
|
questionably (Implies there is reason to doubt the correctness.)
Antonyms
accurately (Correctly and with attention to exact details.)
|
trustworthily (In a way that can be trusted (less common wording).)
Collocations
reported unreliably
|measured unreliably
|estimated unreliably
|recorded unreliably
|remembered unreliably
|documented unreliably
|tracked unreliably
|described unreliably
|transmitted unreliably
|attributed unreliably
Themes
communication
|education
|science
|media
Examples
- The incident was reported unreliably across several outlets.
- Early results were measured unreliably because the sensors were miscalibrated.
- She admits that the details are remembered unreliably after so many years.
Learner examples
- The story was reported unreliably.
- These numbers were measured unreliably.
Grammar
Dictionary form
unreliably
IPA
GB/ʌnɹˈɛlˈaɪəbli/
US/ʌnɹˈɛlˈaɪəbli/
Syllables & stress
un - re - li - ably (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (re)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: unreliably
- Plural: unreliablies
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.