VocabDictionary

spotty

/ˈspɒt.i/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Marked with a lot of spots; covered in small marks or blemishes.

Example Sentences:
  • The puppy had a white coat with spotty brown patches.
  • Teenagers often worry about getting a spotty complexion.
2.adjective

Uneven in quality, reliability, or occurrence; intermittent.

Example Sentences:
  • Cell phone reception in the mountains is notoriously spotty.
  • Her academic performance was rather spotty throughout the semester.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “spotty”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the noun 'spot' (dating back to Middle English, likely of Germanic or Scandinavian origin, related to Middle Low German 'spotte' or Old Norse 'spottr' meaning a small piece or stain) with the suffix '-y' added to denote having or marked by spots.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Picture a Dalmatian dog covered in spots to remember that 'spotty' means marked with spots.

Frequently Asked Questions About “spotty

1. What is the meaning of “spotty” in English?

In English, spotty (adjective) is defined as: “Marked with a lot of spots; covered in small marks or blemishes.”.

2. How do you use “spotty” in a sentence?

The puppy had a white coat with spotty brown patches.

3. What are English synonyms of “spotty”?

Common synonyms include:patchy,uneven,irregular,erratic,speckled

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “spotty”?

Derived from the noun 'spot' (dating back to Middle English, likely of Germanic or Scandinavian origin, related to Middle Low German 'spotte' or Old Norse 'spottr' meaning a small piece or stain) with the suffix '-y' added to denote having or marked by spots.