spotty

[spot-ee]

adjective

spottier, spottiest 

1. full of, having, or occurring in spots.

   spotty coloring.

2. irregular or uneven in quality or character.

   a spotty performance.

   Synonyms: episodic, sporadic, random, erratic

spotty

/ ˈspɒtɪ /

adjective

1. abounding in or characterized by spots or marks, esp on the skin

   a spotty face

2. not consistent or uniform; irregular or uneven, often in quality

Other Word Forms

• spottily adverb
• spottiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of spotty¹

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; spot, -y ¹

Example Sentences

It’s a compelling launch, even if the spotty show that unfolds in the next several rooms falls apart.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“For that matter, who’d have thought a band with such a fractious history and spotty track record would still be together at this point, let alone still visiting the States?”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Walmart has had a spotty track record on its own streaming efforts and currently does not have its own streaming service or produce its own originals.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A couple of days later, an itchy, spotty rash appears.

Read more on BBC

In rural areas across Texas and North Carolina alike, cellphone service can be spotty on the best of days, and some people turn off alert notifications.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• erratic 
• patchy 
• sporadic 
• uneven