erratic

英 [ɪ'rætɪk] 美 [ɪ'rætɪk]

adj.古怪的；飘忽不定的；不稳定的

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◉Usage Examples

(1) He was like a stormy, erratic boy.

(2) Though occasionally chatty, his moods were erratic.

(3) An erratic mind jump from one idea to another.

(4) This clock is rather erratic.

(5) Deliveries of goods are erratic.

(1) 他好象是个性急的古怪的孩子。

(2) 他虽然有时健谈，但是他的脾气却很难捉摸。

(3) 心意不定的人反复无常。

(4) 这个钟不太准。

(5) 不按规定送货。

◉Usage notes

The adjective erratic describes things that are unpredictable, unusual, and that deviate from the norm. An erratic quarterback might completely confuse his receivers waiting for a pass.

Like its linguistic relative, error, the adjective erratic means "deviating from the norm," or "wrong." It also implies behavior or qualities that are unpredictable or odd. The word comes from the Latin verb errare, or "to wander" off course. In the field of geology, a rock that is erratic is unlike others in its environment because it has been transported by glacial activity. Likewise, someone driving a car that veers out of its lane is said to be driving erratically.

◉Collins

1. [ADJ-GRADED 能被表示程度的副词或介词词组修饰的形容词]不稳定的；难以预测的；不规则的 Something that is erratic does not follow a regular pattern, but happens at unexpected times or moves along in an irregular way.

① Argentina's erratic inflation rate threatens to upset the plans.

阿根廷动荡不定的通货膨胀率可能会破坏那些计划。

② ...the family's erratic affairs.

那个家庭发生的稀奇古怪的事情

erratically

③ Police stopped him for driving erratically.

因为他开车左冲右突，警察把他截了下来。