What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nonreliable
Example
The nonreliable internet connection made it difficult to complete the online exam. [nonreliable: adjective]
Example
The study was deemed nonreliable due to inconsistencies in the data. [nonreliable: adjective]
unreliable
Example
The witness was deemed unreliable due to conflicting statements. [unreliable: adjective]
Example
The car's engine was unreliable and frequently broke down. [unreliable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unreliable is more commonly used than nonreliable in everyday language. Unreliable is a familiar term that covers a wide range of contexts, while nonreliable is less common and may be restricted to technical or specialized fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nonreliable and unreliable?
Both nonreliable and unreliable can be used in formal and informal contexts, but nonreliable may sound more formal due to its technical connotations.
