unreliable

[uhn-ri-lahy-uh-buhl] / ˌʌn rɪˈlaɪ ə bəl /

ADJECTIVE

not trustworthy, not true

Synonyms

STRONGEST

capricious deceptive dubious false fickle inaccurate irresponsible treacherous tricky uncertain unsound unstable untrustworthy

STRONG

undependable

WEAK

deceitful delusive disreputable erroneous fake fallible fly-by-night furtive hallucinatory hollow implausible inconstant makeshift meretricious mistaken pretended pseudo questionable sham shifty specious unconvincing underhand underhanded unfaithful unsure untrue vacillating wavering weak

Antonyms

STRONGEST

accurate certain clear constant correct definite dependable faithful forthright frank honest reliable right stable steady strong sure true trustworthy truthful

WEAK

responsible

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.

“In this story, especially and uniquely, every character had a reason to be an unreliable narrator,” he writes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

Polling in mayoral races is typically pretty unreliable.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

Mobile data can be unreliable, too - especially when trains travel through tunnels.

From BBC • May 30, 2026

He said unreliable internet was not something which had been stopping passengers from travelling via train - rather, the main issues were fares, delays and cancellations.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

The air-conditioning and heating were unreliable, and pungent smells sometimes wafted toward us unexpectedly.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

Vocabulary lists containing unreliable

STAAR English I: Elements of Literature

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STAAR English II: Elements of Literature 1

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Point of View

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