it is not reliable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is not reliable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the trustworthiness or dependability of information, sources, or systems. Example: "The data collected from the survey is not reliable due to the small sample size."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Although qualitative approach of the risk estimation needs less effort to gather information, because of its subjectivity, it is not reliable.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

It is not reliable.

The New Yorker

But it is not reliable.

The Economist

He said it has always been rejected, in part because it is not reliable enough.

The New York Times

Coitus interruptus, or withdrawal of the penis before ejaculation, is one of the oldest methods, and, though it is not reliable, it is still widely practiced.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It is not systematic and it is not reliable and for a lot of people, it depends on whether your supervisors are sympathetic," said Ariane Hegewisch, a study director at the Institute for Women's Policy Research.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Even where the map indicates 3G coverage, it isn't reliable and often isn't noticeably quicker than 2G.

TechCrunch

It might not have the fancy networking support or the QWERTY remote found with the Boxee but damn if it isn't reliable.

TechCrunch

"You have scientists saying it's great, but there are others saying the brain is too variable and it isn't reliable.

Vice

"It's not reliable.

The New York Times

"It's not fair, it's not reliable, and it's not stable," he said, adding, "You're going to get a superficial number that has virtually no meaning for the long term".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use alternatives like "it is untrustworthy" or "it is undependable" to add variety to your writing and tailor the tone to your audience.

Common error

Avoid stating that something "it is not reliable" without supporting evidence or context. Back up your claim with specific instances or data to enhance credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not reliable" functions as a negative assessment, indicating a lack of dependability or trustworthiness. Ludwig AI examples show its application in various contexts where something fails to meet expected standards of consistency or accuracy.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is not reliable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing a lack of dependability. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability across various contexts, especially in scientific and news-related discussions. When using the phrase, providing context or specific examples of why something lacks reliability is crucial. Alternatives like "it is untrustworthy" or "it is undependable" can add nuance to your writing. While versatile, maintaining a neutral to formal tone enhances credibility, particularly in professional or academic settings. Source analysis reveals that the expression is often found in authoritative sources, reinforcing its widespread acceptance and utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is untrustworthy

This alternative directly replaces "reliable" with "trustworthy", focusing on the lack of trustworthiness.

it is undependable

This alternative substitutes "reliable" with "dependable", highlighting the absence of dependability.

it is not to be trusted

This option shifts from adjective to a passive construction emphasizing the lack of trust that should be placed on something.

it cannot be relied upon

This alternative uses a passive voice, stressing the inability to depend on the subject.

it is questionable

This term conveys doubt about the validity or dependability of something.

it is dubious

Similar to 'questionable', but implies a stronger sense of doubt or uncertainty.

it is shaky

This alternative implies instability and a lack of firm foundation or predictability.

it is uncertain

This alternative focuses on the unpredictability and lack of sureness associated with the subject.

it is fallible

This term highlights the potential for error or failure, moving beyond simple unreliability.

it is iffy

This informal alternative suggests a degree of risk or uncertainty, implying it may not work out well.

FAQs

How can I use "it is not reliable" in a sentence?

You can use "it is not reliable" to express that something cannot be depended on or trusted. For example, "The data from that source "is not reliable" due to inconsistencies."

What are some alternatives to saying "it is not reliable"?

Some alternatives include "it is untrustworthy", "it is undependable", or "it cannot be relied upon", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "it is unreliable" or "it is not reliable"?

Both "it is unreliable" and "it is not reliable" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations. A slight difference can be noticed in emphasizing the negation with "it is not reliable".

When should I use "it is not reliable" instead of "it is inaccurate"?

"It is not reliable" indicates a lack of dependability or consistency, while "it is inaccurate" suggests that something contains errors or is factually incorrect. Use "it is not reliable" when something might change or vary, and "it is inaccurate" when something is simply wrong.