erratically

American  

[ih-rat-ik-lee] / ɪˈræt ɪk li /

adverb

1. in a way that deviates from what is normal or proper.

   When other employees noticed she was behaving erratically, the store installed cameras and caught her stealing pills.

2. without any definite direction or pattern; in an irregular or inconsistent way.

   The cyclone moved erratically westward and southward for two days while slowly strengthening into a tropical storm.

   Since I was fourteen I've kept a journal, albeit somewhat erratically at times.

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Other Word Forms

• nonerratically adverb

Etymology

Origin of erratically

First recorded in 1610–20; erratic ( def. ) + -ally ( def. )

Example Sentences

Here, they defended erratically and were predictable going forward.

From BBC

Nick Reiner, who lived in a guest property at his parents' home, had attended comedian Conan O'Brien's glitzy party on Saturday, December 13 with his parents, where some attendees reportedly spoke of his behaving erratically.

From Barron's

This included during the onset of the pandemic, an erratically unfolding and socially fracturing catastrophe about which, naturally, Erikson had lots to say.

From The Wall Street Journal

Woo collapses on the ground, his tiny chest rising and falling erratically.

From Literature

Mr Bayoh, who was 31, was restrained by six police officers after he was allegedly spotted carrying a knife and behaving erratically on a street in Kirkcaldy.

From BBC

Related Words

• carelessly