Word
erratically
Phoneticser·rat·i·cal·ly
US/ɛˈɹætɪkɫi/
UK/ɛɹˈætɪkli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that is uneven and hard to predict, changing a lot from moment to moment. You use this when something does not follow a steady pattern.
adv. in an irregular and unpredictable way, without a steady pattern or rhythm. Typically describes movement, behaviour, or performance that changes sharply from moment to moment.
Examples
“The bus moves erratically through the heavy traffic.”
“The old washing machine shakes erratically during the spin cycle and walks across the floor.”
“The lighthouse beam sweeps erratically in the storm, now lost in rain, now flashing across the breaking waves.”
Examples
simple
“The bus moves erratically through the heavy traffic.”
contextual
“The old washing machine shakes erratically during the spin cycle and walks across the floor.”
complex
“The lighthouse beam sweeps erratically in the storm, now lost in rain, now flashing across the breaking waves.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “erratically” in context.
Verb
01. act erratically
“She acted erratically during the meeting, laughing and then suddenly going silent.”
verb + adverb
02. behave erratically
“He started to behave erratically after losing his job and sleeping very little.”
verb + adverb
03. drive erratically
“The car ahead was driving erratically, swerving between lanes without signalling.”
verb + adverb
04. flicker erratically
“The streetlight flickered erratically before going out completely.”
verb + adverb
05. fluctuate erratically
“Oil prices have fluctuated erratically over the past few months.”
verb + adverb
06. move erratically
“The mouse moved erratically across the screen before the computer froze.”
verb + adverb
07. perform erratically
“The team has performed erratically this season, winning one week and losing the next.”
verb + adverb
08. behave highly erratically
“Since the accident, he has behaved highly erratically at work.”
09. drive dangerously erratically
“Police stopped the driver for driving dangerously erratically on the motorway.”
10. fluctuate erratically in price
“Fresh vegetables tend to fluctuate erratically in price during winter.”
11. move erratically through the crowd
“The child moved erratically through the crowd, pulling away from his mother.”
12. perform erratically all season
“Our team has performed erratically all season and fans are frustrated.”
Usage
Typically placed after the verb it modifies or at the end of the clause.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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