sketchy data

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sketchy data" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe data that is unreliable, incomplete, or lacking in detail. Example: "The research findings were based on sketchy data, making it difficult to draw any solid conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

But as pervasive as the conventional wisdom is, much of it is based on sketchy data incorrectly interpreted.

The New York Times - Arts

But they emphasized that there was no way to prove their theory and only sketchy data underpinning it.

The New York Times - Health

They have only a 33-year record of careful satellite observations, and before that, only sketchy data from maps and other historical sources.

The New York Times - Science

It could also complicate attempts to reconstruct what went wrong, as engineers pore over sketchy data and begin to reconstruct a complex and deadly train of events 40 miles above earth's surface.

The New York Times

Since July, the accelerator -- called LEP, for Large Electron-Positron collider -- that is now in the circular tunnel to be occupied by the L.H.C. has been generating sketchy data hinting that it may already be seeing the Higgs.

The New York Times - Science

Jones, says that sketchy data indicate that North Koreans earn a wage of about $150 to $200 a month, much of it disposable income because the state provides housing and basic food.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

By forging ahead anyway, the report risks lending a quantitative gravitas to conclusions that are based on still-sketchy data.

The Economist

Malaysia's government believes the flight diverted to the far southern Indian Ocean, citing sketchy satellite data, but no trace has been found despite an extensive search.

The Guardian

It spread everything from sketchy political data, to a silly misinterpretation of reality, to a vile and deliberate hoax.

Vice

Evidence relating to one type of anesthesia surpassing its the other for a procedure as common as hip fracture surgery remains sketchy and available data is conflicting and inconclusive.

BioMed Research International

Existing data are sketchy at best.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sketchy data", clarify why the data is considered unreliable. Provide context about the limitations or sources of uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid making definitive statements or strong claims when your analysis relies on "sketchy data". Acknowledge the limitations and potential for error in your conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sketchy data" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where 'sketchy' modifies 'data' to describe its quality. It indicates that the data is unreliable, incomplete, or lacks sufficient detail. Ludwig examples show this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sketchy data" is used to describe information considered unreliable, incomplete, or lacking in detail. As Ludwig confirms, its grammatical status is correct and it appears in various contexts, including news media, science, and business. While the term is generally neutral, the adjective "sketchy" introduces a slightly informal tone. When using this phrase, it's best practice to clarify why the data is considered unreliable and avoid overstating conclusions based on it. Alternatives include phrases like "unreliable data" or "incomplete data".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unreliable data

Emphasizes the lack of dependability of the data.

questionable data

Highlights the doubtful nature of the data.

incomplete data

Focuses on the absence of essential information within the data.

dubious data

Suggests a strong sense of doubt or suspicion about the data's validity.

flimsy data

Implies that the data is weak and easily refuted.

tenuous data

Indicates a weak or fragile basis in the data.

patchy data

Suggests that the data is inconsistent and unevenly distributed.

fragmentary data

Emphasizes the broken or disconnected nature of the data.

vague data

Highlights the lack of clarity or precision in the data.

scant data

Indicates that there is very little data available.

FAQs

How can I use "sketchy data" in a sentence?

You can use "sketchy data" to describe information that is unreliable or incomplete. For example, "The conclusions were based on "sketchy data", making the results questionable".

What are some alternatives to "sketchy data"?

Alternatives to "sketchy data" include "unreliable data", "questionable data", or "incomplete data", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the term "sketchy data"?

It's appropriate to use "sketchy data" when you need to indicate that the available information is not entirely trustworthy or comprehensive, often due to limitations in collection or sources.

What does it mean when data is described as "sketchy"?

When data is described as "sketchy", it suggests that the information is not well-supported, potentially inaccurate, or lacking in important details. This can raise concerns about the validity of any analysis or conclusions based on that data.