Definition

Having marks or spots on a surface; not uniform in quality or appearance.

Example

The dog has a spotty coat with patches of different colors.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

Did you see the weather forecast for this week?

Yeah, it's going to be pretty spotty with rain on and off.

I hope it doesn't ruin our plans for the picnic.

Me too! A spotty forecast is always so unpredictable.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Spotty → It is formed from "spot" (from Old English *spon*, meaning a mark or stain) and "-y" (a suffix used to form adjectives indicating a characteristic). The word "spotty" describes something that has spots or marks, indicating a characteristic of being marked or stained.

Memory Tip

Think of 'spots' as marks or stains, and remember that 'spotty' means something that has these marks or characteristics.

Visually Confused Words