unreliability
unreliability
UK[ˌʌnrɪˌlaɪəˈbɪləti]US[ˌʌnrɪˌlaɪəˈbɪləti]
n
The quality of not being able to be trusted or depended on.
Morpheme Breakdown
un
reli
ability
un
not
reli
depend
ability
quality of
Etymology
The word 'unreliability' is a modern English formation built upon the core concept of 'rely,' which originates from the Latin 'religare,' meaning to bind tightly. The prefix 'un-' negates this binding force, creating the sense of something not being firmly attached or dependable. The suffix '-ability' then abstracts this negative trait into a noun denoting the inherent quality or state. Thus, the term logically constructs the concept of undependability by sequentially negating and nominalizing the idea of a secure bond.
Analysis
Structure: un (not) + reli (depend) + ability (quality of)
- un: A prefix of Germanic origin, meaning "not," used to form negatives.
- reli: A morpheme derived from the verb 'rely,' from Old French 'relier' (to fasten, attach), from Latin 'religare' (to bind fast). It carries the sense of dependence or trust.
- ability: A noun-forming suffix from Latin '-abilitas,' via Old French '-abilité,' indicating a state, quality, or capacity.
Examples
The unreliability of the public transport system caused many commuters to be late.
The study highlighted the unreliability of the data due to inconsistent collection methods.
His unreliability as a witness made his testimony inadmissible in court.