unreliability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unreliability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the lack of reliability or trustworthiness of a person, system, or process. Example: "The unreliability of the public transportation system has caused many commuters to seek alternative travel options."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is needed to ensure consistency of Ofsted inspections, as much as to help schools, because the elephant in the room is still the unreliability of Ofsted inspections themselves," Bousted says.

The Guardian

An early attempt to re-recruit Phillip was thwarted by senior BBC figures concerned at his "unreliability" over Northern Ireland.

The Guardian

But perhaps Nighy has a singular talent for projecting unreliability into charming characters.

The Guardian - Film

If this is true – nobody can say for sure because of the unreliability of Greek financial statistics (another of the EU authorities' complaints) – the Greek government's negotiating strategy is doomed.

The Guardian - Business

The commuter network's unreliability threatens the City's precious international competitiveness.

The Economist

Dr Genoe's real insight was a way to deal with unreliability.

The Economist

Supporters of this theory often point to the unreliability of Italian exit polls, which produce results skewed leftward.

The Economist

On June 26th a hitherto little-noticed Tory MP defected to Labour, accusing Mr Cameron of "superficiality, unreliability and an apparent lack of any clear convictions".

The Economist

However, the unreliability of Japan's economic statistics, coupled with a failure to adjust for the extra day of the leap year, mean that the figures may overstate the real strength of Japan's recovery.See article: Japan's rising bankruptciesRetail sales in America fell by 0.3% in May, following a decline of 0.6% in April.

The Economist

Such debates will probably never be resolved with much precision, given the unreliability of the evidence.

The Economist

One of the traditional reasons that macroeconomists gave against the use of fiscal policy to affect business cycles is that the profligacy and unreliability of politicians would mean that fiscal policy would be hard to implement sensibly.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the performance of systems or processes, use "unreliability" to highlight the inconsistent or unpredictable nature of their outcomes. For example, 'The unreliability of the weather forecasts made planning the outdoor event challenging.'

Common error

Avoid using "unreliability" when you mean to convey a sense of danger or vulnerability. "Unreliability" refers to a lack of consistent performance, while insecurity refers to a lack of safety or protection.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "unreliability" is that of a noun, typically used to denote the quality or state of being unreliable. It serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the degree to which something cannot be depended on. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unreliability" functions as a noun that points out the lack of dependability of something, and this characteristic makes it a frequent term within the registers of news, science and encyclopedias. According to Ludwig AI, the word is considered correct and suitable for use in English writing. When writing, it's crucial to differentiate "unreliability" from similar terms like "insecurity" to ensure precise communication. To enhance writing and avoid repetition, other possible alternatives for the expression include "lack of dependability" or "inconsistency". Overall, "unreliability" plays an important role in pointing out potential risks or drawbacks associated with systems or information. This ensures clear and accurate communication, especially where consistency is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of dependability

Emphasizes the absence of consistent performance or behavior.

undependability

Similar to lack of dependability, but can also refer to availability.

inconsistency

Highlights the variation and lack of uniformity in performance or results.

untrustworthiness

Focuses on the lack of integrity and potential for deception.

instability

Focuses on the lack of stability and proneness to change or disruption.

faultiness

Indicates a flaw or defect that leads to failure or inconsistent performance.

erratic nature

Highlights unpredictable and irregular behavior or performance.

precariousness

Suggests instability and a high risk of failure or collapse.

fallibility

Emphasizes the capacity to make mistakes or be wrong.

fickleness

Implies a tendency to change one's mind or loyalty without good reason.

FAQs

How can I use "unreliability" in a sentence?

"Unreliability" can be used to describe the quality of not being reliable. For instance, "The "unreliability of the data" made it difficult to draw firm conclusions."

What are some alternatives to "unreliability"?

You can use alternatives such as "lack of dependability", "inconsistency", or "undependability" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "unreliability" and "instability"?

"Unreliability" refers to inconsistent performance or a lack of trustworthiness, while "instability" describes a lack of stability or a proneness to change. For example, a system might be unreliable because it sometimes fails, or it might be unstable because it is constantly changing.

Is "unreliability" formal or informal?

"Unreliability" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might consider using synonyms like "lack of reliability" for added emphasis.