What does patchy mean?
Patchy describes something that is uneven, irregular, or only partly present. A road may have patchy ice, a mobile signal may be patchy, and a performance may be patchy when some sections are strong but others are weak. The word often suggests that the subject is not completely reliable, continuous, or uniform, but that its problems occur in separate areas or at intervals. It can also be used literally to describe a surface or garment made up of patches. Although especially associated with British English, patchy is widely understood in American English as well. It is useful for describing conditions that are inconsistent rather than wholly absent or entirely unsuccessful.
adjectiveUneven, irregular, or incomplete in coverage, quality, or continuity. It can also describe something covered or distributed in separate patches.
- Uneven or irregular in quality, coverage, or distribution
- Incomplete or intermittent rather than continuous
- Made up of or covered with separate patches
"The road had patchy ice, making the drive particularly treacherous."
"Internet connectivity in the region remains patchy."
"The painter's early work had a patchy quality, with areas of brilliance alongside less confident passages."
Patchy weather can change from bright skies to rain in the time it takes to cross a town.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does patchy come from?
The adjective is formed from the older English noun patch and the suffix -y, which contributes the sense 'characterized by patches' or 'full of patches.' The root word patch is an older borrowing associated with pieces of material sewn or joined together. Over time, its adjective use broadened from literal patched surfaces to describe anything uneven, incomplete, or intermittently present.
Related word forms
How patchy is actually used
Chiefly used in British English, though it is also understood in American English. It is common in contexts such as weather, connectivity, service, performance, and road or surface conditions.