it is unreliable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is unreliable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that cannot be trusted or depended upon, such as information, sources, or equipment. Example: "The data collected from the experiment is flawed, and therefore, it is unreliable for making conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

The use of serum creatinine as the only laboratory parameter or classic biomarker involved in the definition of AKI is unfortunate, as it is unreliable due to its large renal reserve that delays the diagnosis of AKI and contributes to overestimation of renal function in the early phases of the syndrome.

CKJ: Clinical Kidney Journal

"Some data has to be ignored because it is unreliable".

The New York Times

If a knuckleballer flounders, it is proof, somehow, that the craft itself — just look at it — is unreliable.

The New Yorker

Some tech companies try using a tedious workaround to extract data from PDFs known as scraping, but it is unreliable.

The Guardian - Opinion

The only complete translation of the work in any language is P.A. Jaubert's two-volume Géographie d'Édrisi (1836 40); it is unreliable, however, because it was based on faulty manuscripts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Access to the town, in the west of Sudan in a region still recovering from decades of civil war, was closed down and although one investigation was let in on 9 November, a campaigners insist it is unreliable.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

It looked great on paper but it was unreliable.

The Guardian

But it was unreliable, and it was in the dossier against our wishes".

The New Yorker

Wyss-Coray's later efforts to develop the test showed it was unreliable.

The Guardian

In the early days of electronic voting, critics who warned that it was unreliable were dismissed as alarmist.

The New York Times

The top intelligence and law-enforcement agencies around the world don't use torture, because it's unreliable and ineffective.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is unreliable", clearly state what "it" refers to. This ensures your reader understands precisely what you're deeming untrustworthy.

Common error

Avoid stating that something "it is unreliable" without providing specific reasons or evidence. Back up your assertion with concrete examples or explanations to strengthen your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is unreliable" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject as not being dependable or trustworthy. Ludwig examples show it used across various domains to express doubts about accuracy or consistency.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

44%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is unreliable" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a lack of trust or dependability in something. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is applicable across various contexts, from scientific discussions to news reporting. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what "it" refers to and providing supporting evidence to justify your assessment. Consider alternatives like "it is questionable" or "it is not dependable" for nuanced expression. Overall, "it is unreliable" serves as a clear and direct way to communicate doubts about the accuracy or consistency of a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it cannot be relied upon

Emphasizes the inability to depend on something.

it is not dependable

Directly states the lack of dependability.

it lacks credibility

Focuses on the absence of believability.

it is questionable

Highlights the uncertainty and doubt surrounding something.

it is not to be trusted

Explicitly advises against placing trust in something.

it is suspect

Suggests potential issues or flaws.

it is dubious

Indicates uncertainty and potential deception.

it is flawed

Points out imperfections that undermine validity.

its accuracy is doubtful

Directly questions the precision and correctness.

it is inconsistent

Highlights a lack of uniformity or predictability.

FAQs

How can I use "it is unreliable" in a sentence?

Use "it is unreliable" to describe something that cannot be trusted or depended upon. For example, "The witness's statement was inconsistent, so "it is unreliable"."

What are some alternatives to saying "it is unreliable"?

You can use alternatives like "it is questionable", "it is not dependable", or "it lacks credibility" depending on the specific context.

What does it mean when something is described as "it is unreliable"?

When something is described as "it is unreliable", it means that it cannot be consistently trusted or depended upon to provide accurate, consistent, or predictable results.

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 the same meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.