Not regular, consistent, or predictable in behavior, movement, or quality. It often suggests sudden changes or lack of planning.
From Latin *erraticus* 'wandering', from *errare* 'to wander, stray'. It originally described things that did not follow a fixed path.
Erratic once just meant 'wandering', like a traveler without a map. Now we use it for behavior that seems to zigzag without reason—erratic driving, erratic moods. The word hints that underneath the chaos, something has drifted away from its proper path.
“Erratic” has often been applied in a gendered way, especially to women, to dismiss emotional responses or political positions as unstable or irrational. This usage reflects stereotypes that women are less consistent or less capable of reasoned judgment.
Use “erratic” for clearly documented patterns of inconsistency in behavior or data, and avoid applying it to individuals or groups based solely on stereotypes about gender or emotion. Where possible, describe specific behaviors or patterns instead of using a broad label.
["inconsistent","unpredictable","highly variable"]
When discussing historical claims that women’s behavior or leadership was 'erratic,' critically examine whether this label reflected bias rather than evidence, and highlight women’s documented records of consistent leadership and decision‑making.
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