unreliably
In unpredictable fashion
Unreliably describes doing something in a way that cannot be depended upon or trusted to be consistent.
If a machine works unreliably, it sometimes functions and sometimes doesn't.
A person who unreliably shows up for appointments may come on time, arrive late, or not appear at all.
The old car started unreliably in cold weather.
The adverb contrasts with reliably, which suggests dependable, predictable performance.
In an unconvinced way
- questionablyIn a doubtful way
- uncertainlyIn a doubtful way
- inconclusivelyWithout definite result
- tentativelyWithout full commitment
ambiguously · vaguely · indefinitely · indeterminately · incalculably
Lacking regularity or consistency
- sporadicOccurring irregularly, infrequently
- inconsistentLacking steady uniformity
- unpredictableCannot be anticipated
- irregularDeviating from normal patterns
variable · uneven · patchy · hit-or-miss · spotty · fitful · haphazard · capricious
In risky unstable manner
- hazardouslyIn unsafe manner
- dangerouslyIn hazardous manner
- riskilyIn perilous manner
- perilouslyIn dangerous manner
insecurely · unstably · shakily · tenuously · vulnerably
Not consistently trustworthy
- untrustworthyNot deserving of confidence
- dubiousOf uncertain reliability
- suspectBelieve to be likely
- questionableOf uncertain validity
sketchy · dodgy · shady · flaky · treacherous · faithless · disloyal · deceitful
doubtfully
In an unconvinced way
- questionablyIn a doubtful way
- uncertainlyIn a doubtful way
- inconclusivelyWithout definite result
tentatively · ambiguously · vaguely · indefinitely · indeterminately · incalculably
erratic
Lacking regularity or consistency
- sporadicOccurring irregularly, infrequently
- inconsistentLacking steady uniformity
- unpredictableCannot be anticipated
irregular · variable · uneven · patchy · hit-or-miss · spotty · fitful · haphazard · capricious · fickle
precariously
In risky unstable manner
- hazardouslyIn unsafe manner
- dangerouslyIn hazardous manner
- riskilyIn perilous manner
perilously · insecurely · unstably · shakily · tenuously · vulnerably
undependable
Not consistently trustworthy
- untrustworthyNot deserving of confidence
- dubiousOf uncertain reliability
- suspectBelieve to be likely
questionable · sketchy · dodgy · shady · flaky · treacherous · faithless · disloyal · deceitful · dishonest
unreliablyreliably
In dependable manner
dependably · consistently · steadily · unfailingly · without fail
unreliablyfaithfully
With unwavering loyalty
loyally · devotedly · steadfastly · dutifully · truly
unreliablyaccurately
In a correct manner
precisely · trustworthily · validly · soundly · credibly
- unreliable memory
- unreliable narratorsStorytellers whose credibility falters