Unreliable memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Unreliable memory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a memory that is not consistent or trustworthy, often in contexts related to psychology, technology, or personal experiences. Example: "Due to his unreliable memory, he often struggled to recall important details from his past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Unreliable memory is at the heart of this text.

The Guardian - Books

Was she an unreliable memory?

The Guardian - Books

But his unreliable memory and unclear plan make it a difficult journey.

The Guardian - Film

It is a realm "camouflaged by thickets of conflicting evidence," he continued, "a tangled undergrowth of unreliable memory and testimony".

The New York Times

And while gaps in a memory are generally believed to indicate an unreliable memory, the reality is that gaps are virtually a hallmark of the remembering process.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Directed by Bill Condon, the film is about a crime, but also about age, unreliable memory and the power of the past.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

So what shards of advice do I salvage from these unreliable memories of even dodgier publications?

The Guardian

It's a place between death and life, or perhaps the echoing hall of her own unreliable memories.

The Guardian

Much here reflects the fond, and I suspect unreliable, memories of a lovely and loving, now 99-year-old woman.

The New York Times

These are highly personal images, culled from admittedly unreliable memories, but it is precisely their subjectivity that makes them so vivid and authentic.

The New York Times

Except for Watson's daughter Carrie, who writes a diary, they seem to be reciting their colloquial, digressive and sometimes unreliable memories for an oral historian.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character in fiction, use "unreliable memory" to create suspense or plot twists by making the reader question their perceptions.

Common error

While acceptable, avoid overuse of "unreliable memory" in formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise terms like "impaired recall" or "memory distortion" to maintain objectivity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unreliable memory" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "unreliable" modifies the noun "memory". This describes a state or characteristic of memory that cannot be depended upon for accuracy. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unreliable memory" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a memory that cannot be trusted for accuracy. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase appears frequently in news and media, science, and academic contexts. While acceptable in many situations, more precise terms may be preferred in formal writing. When using "unreliable memory", consider the context to ensure the most accurate and appropriate description. Alternative phrases such as "faulty recollection" or "imperfect recall" can offer nuanced meanings depending on the specific aspect of memory being addressed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Faulty recollection

Emphasizes the incorrectness of the memory.

Inaccurate memory

Highlights the lack of precision in recall.

Fallible memory

Focuses on the capacity for error in memory.

Defective memory

Suggests a malfunction or impairment in memory function.

Imperfect recall

Stresses the incompleteness of the remembered information.

Dubious memory

Highlights the uncertainty and questionability of the memory.

Questionable recollection

Similar to 'dubious memory', implying doubt about the accuracy.

Erroneous memory

Indicates a memory containing errors.

Uncertain memory

Focuses on the lack of sureness or confidence in the memory.

Unstable memory

Implies that the memory is not firmly fixed and can change over time.

FAQs

How can I use "unreliable memory" in a sentence?

You can use "unreliable memory" to describe someone who has difficulty remembering things accurately. For example, "His "unreliable memory" led him to misremember key details of the event."

What are some synonyms for "unreliable memory"?

Alternatives to "unreliable memory" include "faulty recollection", "inaccurate memory", or "fallible memory".

Is it appropriate to use "unreliable memory" in academic writing?

While "unreliable memory" is understandable, academic writing may benefit from more precise terms such as "memory impairment", "cognitive distortion", or referring to specific types of memory deficits depending on the context.

What causes an "unreliable memory"?

An "unreliable memory" can be caused by several factors, including age, stress, trauma, certain medical conditions, or substance use. Factors affecting cognitive abilities can influence the accuracy and consistency of memory recall.