patchy

[pach-ee]

adjective

patchier, patchiest 

1. characterized by or made up of patches. patch.

2. occurring in, forming, or like patches. patch.

3. of inconsistent or irregular quality, texture, etc.; not uniform.

   patchy acting; patchy areas of fog.

patchy

/ ˈpætʃɪ /

adjective

1. irregular in quality, occurrence, intensity, etc

   a patchy essay

2. having or forming patches

Other Word Forms

• patchily adverb
• patchiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of patchy¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; patch ¹ + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Many of the interviewees say that there is still the option of being connected to mobile data - but that this is far too expensive for most, and that connectivity is patchy.

From BBC

"Support teams who have this specific experience is very patchy," she added.

From BBC

Many say despite guidelines issued for more than a year, enforcement remains patchy.

From BBC

The miscounting was attributed to patchy record-keeping and suspicions that some families may have tried to hide the deaths of elderly relatives in order to claim their pensions.

From BBC

His "brilliant" performance, as Bellamy described it, was a shining light in an otherwise patchy team performance, and his emergence adds to the coach's defensive options for the rest of this campaign.

From BBC

Related Words

• erratic 
• fitful 
• irregular 
• sketchy 
• uneven