erratic output

USAGE SUMMARY

'erratic output' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe something that is unpredictable or inconsistent. For example, "The printer produced erratic output, causing the project to take much longer than expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

These posteriors accommodate, through our outlier model the potential for erratic output from the measuring equipment.

Genetics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

If masting is an extreme form of high year-to-year variation in seed output, erratic phenological patterns do not necessarily imply the notion of masting.

Plosone

Although higher than last reported, paddy production in Africa is now also seen below the 2016 all-time high at 32.1 million tonnes, as erratic rains depressed output in eastern and southern parts of the continent, offsetting gains in Egypt and West Africa.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

The output is erratic, however, as the olives are susceptible to late frosts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Kenmare is trading at a significant discount to our 36p a share net asset value because of soft product markets and the impact on output of erratic power.

The Guardian - Business

The only two adjectives that could possibly be used to describe my Instagram Story output are "erratic" and "worrying".

Vice

Most writers are prone to unevenness between and within books, but Kureishi's output is so erratic that the reader can sometimes only assume that he has been intermittently coshed on the head, dragged from his writing desk and replaced by an enthusiastic but untutored impostor.

The Guardian - Books

There would be no talking heads - no bandmates, friends, critics or scholars to dissect or analyze Morrison and his artistic output or his erratic behavior.

Huffington Post

The shooting guard's offensive output was also erratic throughout the season, and the Raptors all but fell out of the playoffs picture by March.

Wikipedia

Its output has been erratic (see Figure 1).

Human Resources for Health

Since Death & the Compass, Cox's output has become somewhat erratic, as the chill winds of film finance dictate.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or system, use "erratic output" to convey that the results are unpredictable and inconsistent over time.

Common error

Avoid using "erratic output" when you mean to describe low or inefficient production. "Erratic output" refers to unpredictable changes, not necessarily low quantity. For instance, a machine producing inconsistent results has "erratic output", while one producing too little has "inefficient output".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "erratic output" functions as a noun phrase where "erratic" modifies the noun "output". It describes a situation where the production or results are inconsistent and unpredictable. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in describing inconsistent results.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

26%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "erratic output" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe inconsistent and unpredictable results. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable across various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like /s/variable+results "variable results" or /s/inconsistent+production "inconsistent production" exist, "erratic output" specifically emphasizes the unpredictable nature of the results, distinguishing it from mere inefficiency or irregularity. When using this phrase, ensure that the context genuinely reflects unpredictability rather than simply low production or a consistent, yet non-standard, pattern. The phrase sees frequent use in news, media and scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inconsistent production

Focuses on the lack of uniformity in the production process.

unpredictable yield

Highlights the uncertainty associated with the quantity produced.

variable results

Emphasizes the changing nature of the outcomes.

sporadic performance

Indicates that the performance occurs irregularly.

uneven production

Stresses the lack of consistency in the quantity or quality of production.

fluctuating performance

Highlights the ups and downs in the output.

irregular flow

Describes an inconsistent pattern of movement or supply.

unstable generation

Focuses on the unreliable nature of the creation process.

chaotic results

Emphasizes the disorganized nature of the outcomes.

sporadic results

Highlights that the result are appearing occasionally.

FAQs

How can I use "erratic output" in a sentence?

You can use "erratic output" to describe any process or system that produces inconsistent results. For example, "The solar panels experienced /s/variable+output "variable output" due to fluctuating weather conditions".

What's the difference between "erratic output" and /s/irregular+output "irregular output"?

"Erratic output" suggests unpredictable and inconsistent results, while /s/irregular+output "irregular output" implies a lack of consistent pattern, but not necessarily unpredictability. Something irregular might have a repeating, but non-standard pattern, whereas erratic lacks any discernible pattern.

What are some alternatives to "erratic output"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as /s/inconsistent+production "inconsistent production", /s/unpredictable+yield "unpredictable yield", or /s/variable+results "variable results".

When is it appropriate to use "erratic output"?

Use "erratic output" when you want to emphasize the unpredictable and inconsistent nature of the results produced by a system or process. It is especially useful when the inconsistency is a problem or cause for concern.