What does unreliably mean?
Unreliably means in an inconsistent, unpredictable, or undependable way. It is the adverb form of unreliable and describes how an action, process, or performance occurs. For example, a machine that works unreliably may function well on one occasion and fail on the next, while a service that runs unreliably cannot be counted on to remain available. The word is useful because it expresses more than simple failure: it often implies variation and unpredictability. A person may behave unreliably, a vehicle may start unreliably, or a network may perform unreliably. Although its connotation is generally negative, the precise degree of criticism depends on context. In technical, administrative, or everyday descriptions, unreliably often highlights a recurring pattern rather than one isolated mistake. Its standard counterpart is reliably, and closely related forms include reliable and unreliability.
adverbIn an unreliable manner; in a way that cannot be trusted to work or perform consistently.
- In a manner that is inconsistent, unpredictable, or otherwise not dependable.
"The old heating system operates unreliably during particularly cold weather."
"The old bus starts unreliably when the weather is cold."
"Her internet connection behaves unreliably whenever many people are using the same network."
Unreliably describes the difference between something that works and something whose performance cannot be trusted.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unreliably come from?
Unreliably was formed by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to unreliable. Unreliable combines the prefix un- with reliable, which was formed from rely and the suffix -able; these English forms ultimately trace through Old French to Latin roots associated with trusting or binding. Related words in the family include rely, reliability, and reliance.
Related word forms
How unreliably is actually used
This adverb is neutral in register and common in formal and informal English. It often describes machinery, systems, services, or people whose performance varies unpredictably.
Easily confused with unreliably
Unreliable is an adjective describing something that cannot be trusted, whereas unreliably is an adverb describing the manner in which something acts or performs.
Unreliability is a noun naming the quality of being unreliable, whereas unreliably is an adverb modifying a verb.