uncertain reliability

USAGE SUMMARY

"uncertain reliability" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing the dependability of a source, method, or piece of information that is not fully trustworthy. For example: "The study's findings were based on uncertain reliability, leading to skepticism among researchers." Alternative expressions include "questionable reliability," "dubious reliability," and "unreliable nature."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

For Mr. Padilla, it used confidential sources of uncertain reliability.

The New York Times

Ferretti had to materialize the slum called the Five Points with scant documentation: a couple of photographs from the period, a few dozen contemporaneous prints of uncertain reliability, some Jacob Riis photos from 30 or 40 years later.

The New York Times - Magazine

The basic facts about the drone strikes have had to be cobbled together by citizen organizations like the New America Foundation and Britain's Bureau of Investigative Journalism, whose heroic work must necessarily rely on sources of uncertain reliability.

The New Yorker

But if you already have suspenders, it would be crazy to pay $100 billion for a belt of uncertain reliability -- especially if that belt makes it more likely your pants will fall down.

The New York Times

A research fellow at the Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence at St Andrews University in Scotland, Mr Gunaratna mixes his own interviews with a blizzard of secondary sources of uncertain reliability.

The Economist

By the start of the 21st century, North Korea was believed to have amassed a small stockpile of weapons, although of uncertain reliability, while Iran was determined to acquire uranium-enrichment capabilities that would enable it to build nuclear devices, though it denied that this was its intention.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

SS is used to simulate the value of uncertain system reliability function.

Applied Mathematics and Computation

Even when healthy, the staff is uncertain in its reliability.

The New York Times - Sports

Sensitivity analyses were then carried out for several uncertain cost and reliability parameters.

Computers & Industrial Engineering

The effect of anatomic contour design in all or parts of zirconia crowns is uncertain regarding clinical reliability and survival rates.

The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry

The difficulty of their installation, the high cost of their sensing and/or interrogating equipment and their uncertain long-term reliability push for alternative low-cost and distributed systems, easier to install and use.

Construction and Building Materials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "uncertain reliability", be specific about what aspect is unreliable. Provide context to clarify the nature and source of the uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the unreliability. Instead of implying complete worthlessness, acknowledge the uncertainty and potential for limited value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncertain reliability" functions as a descriptive term, typically modifying a noun to indicate that the dependability or trustworthiness of something is questionable or not fully established. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "uncertain reliability" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes something whose dependability is questionable. Ludwig AI analysis shows its common usage in scientific and news contexts, highlighting the cautious evaluation of information. When using this phrase, provide context to clarify the source of uncertainty and avoid overstating the degree of unreliability. Alternatives like "questionable dependability" or "dubious trustworthiness" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

questionable dependability

This alternative emphasizes doubt about the dependability of something.

dubious trustworthiness

This highlights suspicion regarding the honesty or reliability.

tenuous reliability

This suggests a weak or flimsy basis for trust.

unconfirmed dependability

This indicates that the reliability has not been verified.

suspect reliability

This implies that there are reasons to distrust the reliability.

shaky dependability

This suggests a lack of stability or firmness in the reliability.

unreliable nature

This focuses on the inherent unreliability of something.

indeterminate reliability

This indicates that the reliability cannot be determined.

variable trustworthiness

This suggests that the reliability changes or fluctuates.

ambiguous dependability

This means that the reliability is unclear and open to interpretation.

FAQs

How can I use "uncertain reliability" in a sentence?

You can use "uncertain reliability" to describe sources or methods that may not be completely trustworthy. For example: "The conclusions were drawn from data of "uncertain reliability"".

What are some alternatives to "uncertain reliability"?

Some alternatives include "questionable dependability", "dubious trustworthiness", or "tenuous reliability", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "uncertain reliability"?

Use "uncertain reliability" when you want to acknowledge that a source or method has limitations, but you still want to convey some level of potential value or relevance. Avoid using it when something is definitively false or untrustworthy.

What's the difference between "uncertain reliability" and "unreliable"?

"Unreliable" implies a greater degree of untrustworthiness. "Uncertain reliability" suggests that the level of trustworthiness is unknown or questionable, but not necessarily completely absent. You may also consider the phrases "suspect reliability" or "shaky dependability".