English Lexicon

Spotty

/ˈspɒt.i/
adjectiveCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #8500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As adjective
  1. 1

    Occurring irregularly; uneven or unpredictable in quality, performance, or availability.

    "The mobile phone reception in this rural valley is notoriously spotty."
  2. 2

    Marked with spots; covered in small marks, blemishes, or pimples.

    "He had a spotty complexion during his teenage years."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the noun 'spot' (from Middle English or Old Norse origins related to staining or marking), combined with the adjectival suffix '-y'. It originally referred to physical marks or pimples on the skin before expanding metaphorically in the 19th century to describe anything irregular, uneven, or sporadic in quality.

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