erratic
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ɪˈrætɪk/
KK: /ɪˈrætɪk/
adjective
Definition
Not consistent or regular; unpredictable in behavior or performance.
Example
The weather has been erratic lately, changing from sunny to rainy in just a few minutes.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparative: more erratic
Superlative: most erratic
Conversation
Have you noticed how his moods can be quite erratic?
Yeah, one moment he's happy and the next he's really upset.
I wonder if it's just stress or something more serious.
Could be. I hope he finds a way to balance it out.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
unpredictable
irregular
inconsistent
Antonyms
steady
regular
predictable
noun
Definition
A large rock that has been moved from its original location, often by a glacier, or a person or thing that behaves in an unpredictable or inconsistent way.
Example
The erratic boulder stood alone in the field, a reminder of the glacier's past movement.
Conversation
I found this huge rock in the park today, and it looked really unusual.
Oh really? Was it an erratic?
Yeah, I think it might have been moved here by a glacier or something.
Root Explanation
Erratic → It is derived from the Latin word "errare" (meaning to wander or stray). The word "erratic" describes something that wanders or deviates from the expected path or behavior.
Memory Tip
Think of something that 'wanders' or 'strays' — that's why erratic means unpredictable or inconsistent.
Visually Confused Words
serratic
unerratic
inerratic
geratic
xerantic
veratric
termatic
operatic