adjective
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abounding in or characterized by spots or marks, esp on the skin
a spotty face
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not consistent or uniform; irregular or uneven, often in quality
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of spotty
Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; see origin at spot, -y 1
Explanation
Something that's spotty is uneven or inconsistent, especially in quality. If you can never rely on your internet connection when you're trying to watch a movie, you can call the connection spotty. The spotty reporting of your local newspaper means that every once in a while it publishes a well-written, newsworthy article, but often it's not worth reading. And your spotty attention during biology class probably means you'll need extra review sessions before you take the final exam. You can also use this adjective to mean "spotted" or "covered with spots," like your spotty Dalmatian puppy.
Vocabulary lists containing spotty
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Starlink is the internet for the whole planet,” he said in a recent presentation reviewing the IPO, pointing out there are billions of people with either spotty or no internet.
From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026
Within the monument, most of the roads are gravel or dirt, and there is no drinkable water, no food, no gas and spotty cellphone coverage.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026
Investments are also less liquid, and price discovery can be spotty.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026
Passengers have long complained about spotty internet service in the air, and Starlink is positioning its business as one with far superior technology.
From MarketWatch • Feb. 11, 2026
Her vision wasn’t spotty anymore, and all around her she saw green.
From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
