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Showing results for unreliable. Search instead for unrelia.
Definitions

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.

But polygraphs are unreliable and inadmissible in court, and Hatley maintained her innocence under further questioning.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

While these systems are powerful, they consume large amounts of energy and can still produce unreliable results.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

Goodwin is also troubled by what he labels “stale pricing,” as marks on some positions have a wide variance and can be conservative or unreliable.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

The state government, led by Maduro allies, blames a pipeline damaged in an earthquake last month but locals insist the water supply has been unreliable for far longer, as a result of years of underinvestment.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Before the Scientific Revolution facts were few and far between: they were handmade, bespoke rather than mass produced, they were poorly distributed, they were often unreliable.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton