What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
erratic
Example
The stock market has been behaving erratically lately. [erratically: adverb]
Example
Her moods were erratic, making it difficult to predict her reactions. [erratic: adjective]
inconsistent
Example
The quality of the product was inconsistent, with some items being better than others. [inconsistent: adjective]
Example
He was inconsistent in his attendance, sometimes showing up and other times not. [inconsistent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Inconsistent is more commonly used than erratic in everyday language. Inconsistent is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while erratic is less common and refers to a more specific type of irregularity.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between erratic and inconsistent?
Both erratic and inconsistent are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
