patchy

American  

[pach-ee] / ˈpætʃ i /

adjective

patchier, patchiest

1. characterized by or made up of patches.

2. occurring in, forming, or like patches.

3. of inconsistent or irregular quality, texture, etc.; not uniform.

   patchy acting; patchy areas of fog.

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patchy British  

/ ˈpætʃɪ /

adjective

1. irregular in quality, occurrence, intensity, etc

   a patchy essay

2. having or forming patches

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Other Word Forms

• patchily adverb
• patchiness noun

Etymology

Origin of patchy

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

Explanation

If you describe something as patchy, you mean it's uneven or irregular, like your patchy front lawn with brown spots scattered among the green tufts of grass. Patchy things can appear spotty or mottled in color, or feel rough and bumpy to the touch. If your dog gets fleas and scratches too much, his fur might be patchy. And, if the sky is speckled with clouds, it also looks patchy. You can also call something that's inconsistent patchy: "Your math homework is patchy — some days you do it all, and others you only answer one or two questions."

Example Sentences

The progressive art dealer Jos Hessel and his wife entertain guests in a rather crowded, patchy image.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

The company’s record with mergers and acquisitions is also patchy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

But progress has been slowed by lower than anticipated demand, with many consumers put off by higher upfront costs and still patchy charging infrastructure.

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

Dr Gordon Macdonald, from campaign group Care Not Killing, said the bill ignored the wider "deep-seated problems in the UK's broken and patchy palliative care system".

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

Shay’s eyes widened as she took in Tally’s scratched and sunburned face, the blisters on her hands, and her patchy, scorched hair.

From "Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld

Related Words

• erratic
• fitful
• irregular
• sketchy
• uneven