streaky

American  

[stree-kee] / ˈstri ki /

adjective

streakier, streakiest

1. occurring in streaks or a streak.

2. marked with or characterized by streaks.

3. varying or uneven in quality.

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streaky British  

/ ˈstriːkɪ /

adjective

1. marked with streaks

2. occurring in streaks

3. (of bacon) having alternate layers of meat and fat

4. of varying or uneven quality

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Other Word Forms

• streakily adverb
• streakiness noun

Etymology

Origin of streaky

First recorded in 1660–70; streak + -y ¹

Example Sentences

That means that while small-caps have had a good run of late, investors shouldn’t count on a marathon: “History clearly shows that positive relative returns in this space are streaky, not structural,” Colas concludes.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

That means that while small-caps have had a good run of late, investors shouldn’t count on a marathon: “History clearly shows that positive relative returns in this space are streaky, not structural,” Colas concludes.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

Layton strives to capture L.A. and he gets parts of it right: the side streets and strip malls and streaky headlights at night.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2026

He was seen as a popular figure among Hoops fans, but was also viewed as a head coach that only got "streaky" results out of his side.

From BBC • Jul. 15, 2025

At ten o’clock, when the jittery sky had finally settled itself into a streaky blue night, Finn checked the yard again.

From "Bone Gap" by Laura Ruby