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 at the one we visited in Holguín, portions had gotten smaller and less varied, and staff were forced to scavenge for wood to cook with, due to gas shortages and unreliable electricity.

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2026

If the Strait of Hormuz becomes unreliable, energy can be sourced from the U.S. or transported via Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

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

I took the risk of talking to a few local lawyers about whether the new prosecutor might acknowledge that the conviction was unreliable and support a new trial if there was compelling new evidence.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

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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