is not dependable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not dependable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that cannot be relied upon or trusted. Example: "The weather forecast is not dependable, so we should prepare for unexpected changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Interpretation: "If a student is not dependable, he might slack off on assignments and need schedule structure and academic support".

The New York Times

But since the seasonal pattern is not dependable, the need for order evoked a system of cycles, notably the sabbatical, or seven-year, cycle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She even worried that "one son is not dependable" and strongly persuaded her daughter to have another child.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Although gene expression does not always correlate with protein translation, our results indicate that in clinical S. aureus isolates the use of reserpine to predict the contribution of efflux to reduced susceptibility is not dependable.

International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents

But McGeer claims that trust grounded in the "esteem-seeking mechanism" of wanting others' good opinion is not rational because it is not dependable; as soon as the trustees see it for what it is a cunning attempt to get them to behave in a certain way they will refuse to live up to it (252).

SEP

I cannot live with TV that is not dependable.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Once more, the science isn't dependable.

WikiHow

They may have a sense of futility and a conviction that associates are not dependable sources of support.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Save as much as you can as soon as you can because other plans are not dependable".

The New York Times

But that income was not dependable, so a few years ago they started a bed-and-breakfast, which, they say, brings in $60,000 a year.

The New York Times

These writers have much to tell about individual politicians and slices of American life, but paradoxically they are not dependable guides to politics, their (and Hertzberg's) nominal subject.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts or systems, use "is not dependable" to highlight potential weaknesses or areas where failure is possible.

Common error

While grammatically correct, avoid overusing "is not dependable" in highly formal documents. Opt for stronger, more precise terms like "unreliable" or "untrustworthy" to convey a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not dependable" functions as a descriptive expression, specifically a negative predication. It asserts that a particular subject lacks the quality of being reliable or trustworthy. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and readily usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not dependable" effectively communicates a lack of reliability or trustworthiness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While seemingly straightforward, choosing the right synonym—such as "unreliable" or "untrustworthy"—can subtly shift the tone, depending on the situation. Appearing frequently in science, news and media, and encyclopedias, this phrase serves as a practical tool for expressing uncertainty or caution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unreliable

Direct synonym, replacing "dependable" with its antonym "unreliable".

cannot be relied upon

Emphasizes the inability to place trust or reliance on something.

is not trustworthy

Focuses on the lack of trustworthiness.

is not consistent

Highlights the lack of consistent performance or behavior.

is not predictable

Indicates an inability to foresee or anticipate outcomes.

is not stable

Suggests a lack of stability or permanence.

is questionable

Raises doubts about the quality or reliability.

is uncertain

Expresses a lack of certainty or assurance.

is doubtful

Similar to "questionable", but with a stronger implication of disbelief.

is precarious

Indicates a state of instability or insecurity.

FAQs

What does "is not dependable" mean?

The phrase "is not dependable" means something or someone cannot be relied upon or trusted to consistently perform as expected. It indicates a lack of reliability.

What can I say instead of "is not dependable"?

You can use alternatives like "is unreliable", "is not trustworthy", or "cannot be relied upon" depending on the context.

How to use "is not dependable" in a sentence?

You can use "is not dependable" to describe something that lacks reliability. For example: "The weather forecast is not dependable, so we should prepare for anything."

Is "is not dependable" formal or informal?

The phrase "is not dependable" is generally neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives like "unreliable" might be preferred in certain situations.