uneven output

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uneven output" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where the results or performance are inconsistent or not uniform. Example: "The factory experienced uneven output due to machinery malfunctions, leading to delays in production."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

You might read it as an allegory about trying to make sense of Van Sant's perplexingly uneven output.

The Guardian - Film

I know what you're thinking: with as many people in Hollywood headed for hell as the religious right seems to think, why such an uneven output?

The New York Times

Chabrol's Jekyll and Hyde characters (including his own, hovering between the bourgeois and the anti-bourgeois), and his uneven output, continued to disturb critics.

The Guardian - Film

Early on it was often produced for the low-paying pulp presses, which valued speed and volume from its writers, leading to uneven output even from the most talented artists.

The New Yorker

Tells how he travelled to Egypt in 1963, where his lifelong obsession with ambiguities of framing devices seems to have begun... Despite the uneven output, especially in the past ten years, we should be grateful that Hockney refuses to leave well enough alone.

The New Yorker

The Labyrinth Theater Company, a downtown ensemble devoted to producing new plays with multiracial casts, said on Monday that the costume designer Mimi O'Donnell will become its new artistic director – an appointment aimed at stabilizing the company after three years of uneven output.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

His languid, bass-driven beats were landmark developments for dub music in the 1960s and still feature heavily in his prolific, uneven solo output.

The New York Times - Arts

His languid, bass-driven beats were landmark developments to 1960s dub music and feature heavily in his prolific, uneven solo output that continues to this day.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Perry's languid, bass-driven beats were landmark developments in 1960s dub music and feature heavily in his prolific, uneven solo output, which continues to this day.

The New York Times - Arts

In its size and uneven quality, his recent output can bring to mind those golden-age Hollywood professionals who, come hell, high water or inferior script, would reliably do their part to meet the studio's sausage quota.

The New York Times

His output was uneven (the seven academic paintings here are uninspiring), but his range is impressive, from illustrations published in the livrets accompanying the Salon exhibitions to designs for dishes and book marginalia that look like comic-book storyboards.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "uneven output", clarify the specific aspect that is inconsistent, such as quality, quantity, or regional distribution. For example, "The company experienced uneven output in its different factories, leading to supply chain challenges."

Common error

Avoid using "uneven output" without specifying the context or type of output. For example, instead of saying "The project had uneven output", specify "The project had uneven output in terms of code quality and documentation."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uneven output" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "uneven" modifies the noun "output". As Ludwig confirms, this structure is grammatically correct and usable. It denotes a lack of uniformity or consistency in the quantity or quality of production.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "uneven output" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that describes inconsistent or non-uniform results or production. As Ludwig's analysis confirms, it is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, appearing frequently in news media, scientific literature, and encyclopedias. The phrase serves to report on variability in different fields like film, music, and economy. To avoid overgeneralization, it's best to clarify the specific type of output and the cause of the inconsistency when using "uneven output". Alternative phrases such as "inconsistent results" or "variable yield" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inconsistent results

This phrase highlights the lack of uniformity in outcomes, shifting the focus from production to results.

variable yield

This alternative is commonly used in agricultural or manufacturing contexts, emphasizing fluctuating production levels.

patchy performance

This suggests that the quality or effectiveness is inconsistent, with some areas being better than others.

irregular production

This phrase focuses specifically on the inconsistent nature of the production process.

fluctuating levels

This is a more general term that can apply to any kind of output that changes over time or across different instances.

sporadic results

This emphasizes the randomness and infrequency of positive outcomes.

unequal distribution

This phrase emphasizes the lack of uniformity in how something is spread or allocated.

mixed performance

This suggests a combination of good and bad results, indicating inconsistency.

unstable yield

Similar to "variable yield", this highlights unpredictability in the quantity produced.

wavering production

This highlights the fluctuation or indecisiveness in the production process.

FAQs

How can I use "uneven output" in a sentence?

You can use "uneven output" to describe situations where production or results are inconsistent. For example, "The factory's "uneven output" led to supply chain disruptions.".

What are some alternatives to "uneven output"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "inconsistent results", "variable yield", or "patchy performance".

Is it more appropriate to use "uneven output" or "inconsistent output"?

"Uneven output" and "inconsistent output" are often interchangeable, but "uneven output" tends to emphasize the variability in production volume, whereas "inconsistent output" can refer to broader variations in quality or performance.

What causes "uneven output" in a business or manufacturing setting?

"Uneven output" can stem from various factors, including equipment malfunctions, supply chain disruptions, varying skill levels among workers, or "uneven demand" for products.