Undependable

Undependable describes a person, object, or system that cannot be relied upon to behave or perform in the way expected or desired. It signifies a lack of trustworthiness, consistency, and predictability. This unreliability can stem from various causes, including a tendency to change one's mind, a lack of responsibility, or a propensity for malfunction. The term implies a risk of disappointment, failure, or inconvenience due to an inability to count on the subject in question. Essentially, something Undependable is not capable of being depended on to be successful in most situations, or to be trusted to be honest.

Undependable meaning with examples

• The mechanic proved undependable; he repeatedly delayed the car's repairs, offering excuses and broken promises. His unreliability meant I couldn't trust him to meet deadlines, leading to frustration. Eventually, I had to take my vehicle to another garage, as his lack of commitment created an unpredictable experience. Ultimately, his unprofessionalism wasted valuable time and money.
• The weather forecast for the outdoor event was initially promising, but turned out to be completely undependable. Rain started abruptly, forcing everyone to abandon their plans and seek shelter. Guests expressed disappointment and frustration, having anticipated clear skies. Because of this, the inaccurate forecast undermined preparations and caused a significant inconvenience for all attendees.
• Sarah's attendance at meetings has been consistently undependable. She frequently cancels at the last minute or arrives late without any prior notice, making it difficult to complete projects on time. This lack of reliability has caused disruptions for colleagues and made teamwork more challenging. It has also damaged her professional reputation, marking her as someone unreliable and ultimately untrustworthy.
• The old computer system was woefully undependable. It would crash unexpectedly, causing loss of data, time, and critical information. Employees grew to resent its frequent malfunctions. This unreliability made the system’s operation inefficient, causing frustration and hampering productivity. Ultimately, it was replaced with a more modern and dependable alternative.