Question

Choose the word or phrase which is nearest in meaning to the given key word:
Erratic
A. Wandering
B. Regular
C. Difficult
D. Unstable

Answer 1

Hint: Erratic means a thing or an atmosphere which is not even or regular, sometimes unexpected or unpredictable, for example, the schedule for this week has been erratic, don’t know if I’ll be getting this weekend off.

Complete step by step answer:
To choose the word which gives the nearest meaning of the given word, analyse each option individually.

Wandering: to travel aimlessly from place to place. For example, we were wandering around the hallway and then got back to the ceremony.
Regular: something which happens time to time in a continuous period. For example, I go to the dentist from my regular check ups for my braces.
Difficult: a work which requires a lot of effort which causes hardships and problems. For example, the mountaineers had a difficult climb during the storm.
Unstable: something which is not steady and likely to change or fall. For example, people in this area are unstable because of the outbreak of viral infections.

So, the correct answer is “Option D”.

Note:
The words ‘erratic’ and ‘unstable’ both means ‘likely to change’ therefore, they are similar in meanings. The word ‘regular’ means usual, no change, therefore it can be considered opposite in meaning to the word ‘erratic’.
More synonyms of the word ‘erratic’ can be random, stray, aimless, unorganised. Whereas, some antonyms of the word ‘erratic’ are systematic, organised, static.
Unstable is also used to describe something which is not firm enough to stand on its own, most likely to fall or not last long. For example, the patient’s heart rate and breathing is very unstable, if only she gets through the night.