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Definition of spotty

spotty

/ˈspɑːti/
spot · ty
Adverb:spottily
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spotty Lexical Profile

spotty Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Irregular, inconsistent, or uneven in quality, distribution, or reliability.

Example

"Cell phone reception is notoriously spotty in the remote mountain valleys."

2

Marked with or covered in spots, speckles, or small blotches.

Example

"The ripe bananas had turned yellow with brown, spotty skins."

3

British Having many pimples or blemishes on the skin.

Example

"The novel's narrator recalls his awkward years as a shy, spotty teenager."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for spotty

• Nearby Words

spotter
spottiness
spotting
spotty
spousal
spouse
spouseless

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in English from the noun 'spot' (dating to Middle English, likely from a Low German or Middle Dutch root meaning 'speck' or 'stain') combined with the adjectival suffix '-y'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Spotty. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/spotty
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