patchy

[ pach-ee ]

adjective

, patch·i·er, patch·i·est.

1. characterized by or made up of patches. patch.
2. occurring in, forming, or like patches. patch.
3. of inconsistent or irregular quality, texture, etc.; not uniform:

   patchy acting; patchy areas of fog.

patchy

/ ˈpætʃɪ /

adjective

1. irregular in quality, occurrence, intensity, etc

   a patchy essay

2. having or forming patches

Derived Forms

• ˈpatchily, adverb
• ˈpatchiness, noun

Other Words From

• patchi·ly adverb
• patchi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of patchy¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; patch ¹ + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Access to parks was also patchy, with Singapore and Amsterdam scoring high while Buenos Aires and New York City scored poorly.

From Science Daily

He said the UK should instead fix its "broken and patchy palliative care system so everyone can have a dignified death".

From BBC

Although Tottenham's Premier League form has been patchy - with Postecoglou's all-out attacking style coming under criticism following defeats by Brighton and Crystal Palace - results against Manchester City can give them confidence.

From BBC

There’s also a chance of patchy drizzle in Los Angeles County starting late Sunday night.

From Los Angeles Times

Bird flu cases have more than doubled in the country within a few weeks, but researchers can’t determine why the spike is happening because surveillance for human infections has been patchy for seven months.

From Salon

Related Words

• erratic
• fitful
• irregular
• sketchy
• uneven