not dependable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "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 has proven to be not dependable this week." Alternative expressions include "unreliable" and "not trustworthy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

My mother was nothing if not dependable.

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times

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

"The only thing that is reliable and dependable about Trump is that he's unreliable and not dependable," he added.

The New Yorker

People began abandoning the cities and moved eastward toward the Ganges basin, where rains were more dependable (though not dependable enough to sustain urban metropolises).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

They simply aren't dependable.

Forbes

But if tacky, ancient traditions aren't dependable enough for you?and we don't blame you?2nd Son and a l l i e have a better way to anticipate warmer times.

Vice

Once more, the science isn't dependable.

WikiHow

It is good to have this money, but it is not a dependable source.

BBC

Students have not been dependable fans.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific writing, pair "not dependable" with specific conditions (e.g. 'not dependable under high-pressure scenarios') to increase clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "not dependable" to describe a single incorrect fact. Dependability refers to a pattern of behavior or performance over time; for one-off errors, use 'inaccurate' or 'incorrect' instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not dependable" functions as a negated adjective phrase. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it often serves as a predicative adjective following a linking verb (e.g. 'is not dependable' or 'was not dependable'). It modifies nouns to indicate a lack of the quality of being reliable or trustworthy.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Social Media

3%

General Conversation

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not dependable" is a highly effective and grammatically correct way to signal inconsistency across a variety of domains. Ludwig AI shows that it is particularly prevalent in Scientific and News contexts, where it is used to describe everything from clinical results to political guides. While synonyms like <a href="/s/unreliable" target="_blank" rel="alternative">unreliable are common, "not dependable" offers a slightly more descriptive negation that emphasizes the failure of a specific expectation. Whether you are writing an academic paper or a business report, this phrase provides a professional tone for highlighting deficiencies in trust or performance. The high frequency of usage in authoritative sources like The New York Times confirms its status as a staple of standard English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unreliable

Single-word synonym that is almost universally interchangeable

untrustworthy

Places more emphasis on the moral or character-based failure to be relied upon

inconsistent

Focuses on the lack of regularity or predictability rather than total failure

erratic

Suggests a more unpredictable or wild variation in performance

not robust

Often used in technical or scientific contexts to describe a system that fails under pressure

fickle

Describes a tendency to change minds or loyalties frequently

unstable

Implies a structural or foundational risk of failure

not credible

Specific to the believability of information or claims

capricious

A more formal term implying behavior guided by sudden whims

not solid

A metaphorical way to describe a lack of reliability or evidence

FAQs

How do I use "not dependable" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe something that fails to meet expectations consistently, such as: "The old generator is <a href="/s/unreliable" target="_blank" rel="alternative">unreliable and "not dependable" during storms."

What is the difference between "not dependable" and "untrustworthy"?

While both imply a lack of reliance, "not dependable" often refers to performance or mechanical failure, whereas <a href="/s/untrustworthy" target="_blank" rel="alternative">untrustworthy usually implies a person's lack of integrity or honesty.

Can I use "not dependable" for inanimate objects?

Yes, it is very common to use it for technology, weather patterns or financial streams. For example, a scientific study might find that a certain chemical test is <a href="/s/not+robust" target="_blank" rel="alternative">not robust or "not dependable" in varying temperatures.

Is "not dependable" considered formal English?

Yes, it is a neutral to formal phrase. In extremely formal or academic contexts, you might prefer single-word alternatives like <a href="/s/undependable" target="_blank" rel="alternative">undependable or <a href="/s/inconsistent" target="_blank" rel="alternative">inconsistent.