appears unreliable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appears unreliable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something or someone that seems to lack trustworthiness or dependability. Example: "The data from the experiment appears unreliable, leading us to question the validity of our results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"The genetic profile, as obtained, appears unreliable because not supported by scientifically valid analytical procedures," and so cannot be positively identified as belonging to Ms. Kercher, the report said.

The New York Times

Therefore the family of sky scanners with wider FOV appears unreliable for quantifying the daylight availability in building interiors.

Solar Energy

Since their methodology is distinctly different from ours, a direct comparison of the results appears unreliable.

Europace

However, as we previously noted, the p3 estimate (which is based on condom use among those who reported having intercourse the day before the survey) appears unreliable due to the small number of cases.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The DNA traces on the knife, which were discovered by police in Sollecito's kitchen, appeared "unreliable in as much as [they were] not supported by scientifically validated analytic procedures", the experts' report said.

The Guardian

In particular, self-administered measures of stressful life events appear unreliable (Johnson 2005).

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

When the head of the FBI trash-talks a candidate for president, making her appear unreliable or worse, damage is done, even if he later "takes it back".

Huffington Post

NICOM appeared unreliable in this setting.

Critical Care

3. Fields are classified even though they appear unreliable from the HVF indices (i.e., short term fluctuation).

BMC Ophthalmology

Although we had initially planned to use the model to estimate separate mercury concentrations for the individual types of fish, those estimates appeared unreliable.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Since clinical data at admission appear unreliable as prognostic marker, analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) might present another interesting tool.

Disease Markers

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "appears unreliable", ensure that you provide context or evidence to support why something seems unreliable to avoid making unsubstantiated claims.

Common error

Avoid using "appears unreliable" as a definitive statement of fact. It indicates a perception, not necessarily a proven reality. Use it to introduce doubt or suggest further investigation is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appears unreliable" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It expresses a subjective assessment of something's dependability, suggesting a perceived lack of trustworthiness. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "appears unreliable" serves as a critical qualifier, signaling a perceived lack of trustworthiness or dependability. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, this term suggests the need for further investigation rather than presenting a definitive conclusion. While alternatives like ""seems untrustworthy"" or "looks questionable" offer similar meanings, "appears unreliable" maintains a neutral tone suitable for professional communication. Remember to use it judiciously, supported by context or evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems untrustworthy

Emphasizes a lack of trustworthiness based on current evidence or perception.

looks questionable

Highlights that something's reliability is in doubt based on appearances.

seems doubtful

Focuses on the uncertainty and lack of confidence in its reliability.

appears dubious

Suggests suspicion about the authenticity or dependability.

seems precarious

Highlights instability making it look unreliable.

looks uncertain

Emphasizes the lack of clarity and confidence in its reliability.

appears fallible

Indicates the possibility of making mistakes or being inaccurate.

seems flimsy

Conveys a sense of lacking substance or strength, indicating potential unreliability.

looks tenuous

Highlights the thin or weak nature, implying a lack of robustness.

seems inconsistent

Emphasizes a lack of uniformity or predictability.

FAQs

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

You can use "appears unreliable" to describe data, sources, or even people when they seem to lack credibility. For example, "The witness's testimony "seems untrustworthy" after inconsistencies were revealed."

What's a formal way to say "appears unreliable"?

In a formal context, consider using phrases like "presents a lack of reliability" or "exhibits questionable validity". These alternatives maintain a professional tone while conveying the same meaning.

Is it better to say "appears unreliable" or "is unreliable"?

"Appears unreliable" suggests a preliminary assessment based on available information, whereas "is unreliable" implies a confirmed determination. Use "appears unreliable" when you have doubts but lack definitive proof.

What are some nuances between "appears unreliable" and "seems doubtful"?

"Appears unreliable" focuses on a lack of dependability or consistency, while "seems doubtful" centers more on uncertainty or disbelief. The choice depends on whether you're questioning the validity or the consistency of something.