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unreliability

unreliability

3 5.5
Not being dependable or able to be trusted
  • noun
  • /ˌʌnrɪˈlaɪəˌbɪlɪti/
translation icon : falta de fiabilidad
  • Her unreliability meant that no one could trust her to complete projects on time.
  • Narrative unreliability
  • unreliability of the narrator
  • unreliability of data

These banks aren't the nickname of Wildcat banks for a reputation of unreliability.

Examples

  • A small amount of unreliability could produce important errors in the overall ratings of interventions.

    Academic text (2012)
  • As I stated earlier, Health Net employees were sensitive to the unreliability of reported data at the source.

    Academic text (2010)
  • The format and limited participation are contributing factors to the unreliability of its data.

    Academic text (2007)
  • Russian arms do not come without problems; among these are unreliability, poor maintenance, and little after-sales support.

    Academic text (2001)
  • However, many Health Net employees, having worked in SUS, were sensitive to the unreliability of reported data at the source.

    Academic text (2010)
  • Cryosurgery is still unpredictable because of the unreliability of the frozen state.

    Academic text (2003)
  • But they were unrefined compared to the imports, and their unreliability eventually killed the GM brand.

    Blog text (14)
  • Writing from Mexico City in 1931-32, Crane repeatedly complains of the altitude and the unreliability of the mails.

    Academic text (1997)
  • The unreliability of the weather forecasts made it hard to plan the outdoor event.

  • Many teachers expressed concern over the unreliability of the grading system this year.

Synonyms

inconstancy
vsunreliability
1 8.6

A tendency to change feelings or opinions and not stay loyal

is the general quality of not being dependable beyond moods or loyalty
untrustworthiness
vsunreliability
1 7.2

A quality of not being reliable or honest

covers both loss of trust and failing to be dependable in action
undependability
vsunreliability
7.9

A person or thing that cannot be trusted

is the broader idea of lacking dependability and trustworthiness
undependableness
vsunreliability
8.9

A quality of someone or something that others do not trust to do what is needed

refers more generally to lack of dependability or trust
unreliableness
vsunreliability
7.4

Not able to be trusted to work or be right

covers that inconsistency and also problems of trust
untrustiness
vsunreliability
8.5

A state in which someone or something cannot be trusted

is similar but also emphasises failure to be dependable in practice

Antonyms

60 3.5

A person or thing you can trust to work well every time

Being trustworthy and able to be relied on to do what is needed

How Reliable

reliability
60 3.5
inconsistency
30 4.8
unreliability
3 5.5

Surface Forms

unreliability singular

Morphology

unreliability = unreliable (transparent) = un + rely + able + ity

Standard noun formation from the adjective 'unreliable' using '-ity'; the resulting meaning is predictable from the base.

Etymology

Unreliability breaks into un- meaning 'not', rely meaning 'to trust', and -ability meaning 'able to be'. So, unreliability is the 'quality or state of not able to be trusted', which is why we use it for people or things that are not dependable.