fickle
changing loyalties or affections often
In more detail
1. (adjective) changing often in what you like or how you behave; not loyal or constant
2. (adjective) changing frequently or unpredictably (said of things like weather or situations)
Examples
- 1. She has been a fickle friend, dropping people whenever someone more popular comes along.
- 2. The mountain weather is fickle, so it's hard to predict what conditions will be like tomorrow.
How to use fickle
Fickle describes someone whose preferences, loyalties, or behavior change frequently and unpredictably, often implying unreliability or superficiality. It can also describe things like weather or moods that shift suddenly. The term carries a mildly negative tone, suggesting lack of commitment or consistency.
Common phrases
- fickle weather
- fickle taste
- fickle nature
- fickle lover
- fickle public
Synonyms
inconstant · changeable · unreliable · capricious · unstable
Opposites
constant · loyal · steadfast
Word family
fickleness (noun) · fickly (adverb)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse fickle with merely 'changeable' or 'flexible', but fickle specifically implies capriciousness and unreliability rather than neutral adaptability.
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