Part of speech: Adjective
Phonetic transcription: /ɪˈrætɪk/
Meanings: 1. Not even or regular in pattern or movement; unpredictable. 2. Deviating from the usual or proper course in conduct or opinion; eccentric.
Usage patterns: The word "erratic" is commonly used in both written and oral English. It is not extremely high in frequency but is regularly used to describe unpredictable or irregular behavior or movement.
Verb forms: - Present: He/she/it erratics - Present continuous: He/she/it is erraticing - Present perfect: He/she/it has erraticed - Present perfect continuous: He/she/it has been erraticing - Past: He/she/it erraticed - Past continuous: He/she/it was erraticing - Past perfect: He/she/it had erraticed - Past perfect continuous: He/she/it had been erraticing - Future: He/she/it will erratic - Future continuous: He/she/it will be erracticnig - Future perfect: He/she/it will have erracticd - Future perfect continuous: He/she/it will have been erracticng
Example phrases: 1. Her erratic driving made me nervous. 2. The project's progress was erratic from the start.
Idiomatic expressions: - "Erratic behavior" - Behavior that is unpredictable or inconsistent. - Example: His erratic behavior at work was a cause for concern.
Example: The bird flew away in erratic movements, confusing its predators.
"Erratic schedule" - A schedule that is not consistent or predictable.
Example: Her erratic schedule made it difficult to plan activities together.
"Erratic weather" - Weather that changes unexpectedly or frequently.
Example: We had to cancel our picnic due to the erratic weather.
"Erratic performance" - Performance that varies greatly in quality or consistency.
Etymology: The word "erratic" comes from the Old French word "erratique," from Latin "erraticus," derived from the verb "errare" meaning "to wander or roam."
Synonyms: - Synonyms: unpredictable, inconsistent, irregular, unstable - Antonyms: steady, constant, predictable, reliable