erratic

Language: en

🇺🇸 /ɪˈrætɪk/

📖 Definitions

  1. adjective
    Not even or regular in pattern or movement; unpredictable and inconsistent in behavior or performance.; Deviating from the usual or proper course; eccentric or odd in behavior.
  2. noun
    A boulder or rock fragment that has been transported by glacial ice and deposited in an area of different geological composition.

🔗 Details

Word forms

countable Plural: erratics Comparative: more erratic Superlative: most erratic

Collocations

erratic behaviorerratic movementerratic performanceerratic weathererratic drivingerratic pulse

Derivatives

erraticallyerraticism

Synonyms

unpredictableirregularinconsistentunstablevolatilecapriciousfitful

Antonyms

steadyconsistentpredictablestableregular

Commonly confused

eccentric
EN: 'Eccentric' means unconventional or odd in behavior; 'erratic' means unpredictable and inconsistent, lacking a steady pattern.
error
EN: 'Error' is a mistake; 'erratic' describes something unpredictable or irregular, though both share the Latin root 'errare' (to wander).

Spelling tips

EN: Remember 'erratic' has a double 'r' — a common mistake is writing 'eratic' with only one 'r'.

💬 Examples

  1. The driver's erratic swerving across lanes alerted the police to pull him over.

  2. His erratic behavior at the party made everyone uncomfortable.

  3. The geologist identified the granite boulder as an erratic, since the bedrock in the area was limestone.