patchy

Everyday

1. Patchy means appearing in some places but not others, in uneven patches, like patchy fog or patchy grass. tree →
2. Patchy means not complete or not good everywhere — some parts good, some poor, as in patchy knowledge. tree →

In the lessons

In weather forecasts, «patchy rain» or «patchy fog» means some areas get it and others don't. In school reports, «patchy work» means uneven effort or results. In everyday life, a phone signal can be patchy. Phrases: «patchy rain», «patchy fog», «patchy signal», «patchy knowledge».

Examples

• There will be patchy rain this afternoon. tree →
• The phone signal is patchy in the countryside. tree →
• The lawn was patchy after the dry summer. tree →
• His knowledge of the times tables is still patchy. tree →
• Patchy fog made driving slow. tree →
• The paint job looked patchy, so Dad did a second coat. tree →

Note

Comparison: patchier, patchiest. From «patch» (a small area). Not rude or strong; it means uneven, not bad everywhere.