Patchier

That has driven a fair amount of money into developed markets, including the U.S. Moreover, even if growth is getting a bit patchier, confidence in the U.S. economic recovery is rising. ❋ Dave Kansas (2011)

A turbine mounted in a spot where the wind blows steady and hard, such as the Great Plains, typically cranks out more electricity each year than it does in a spot where the wind is patchier and weaker, such as the Northeast. ❋ Jeffrey Ball (2011)

It would be an exaggeration to say it's only a ghost of its former self, but it has acquired a slightly routine quality and the new cast is much patchier than the first. ❋ Unknown (2011)

Forests tend to be patchier than those of the Middle Rockies (17) to the north. ❋ Unknown (2009)

Judging by this first sample, the execution will be patchier, but the best are outstanding. ❋ Unknown (2009)

So (say) Facebook could pay a premium to ensure it will load quickly, while any site you set up would take ages and have patchier service. ❋ Unknown (2009)

I'd defend to the death the ability of many of my students, but their training is patchier and they've had less practice applying their skills. ❋ Flavia (2007)

Her relations with her mother and her father, when he was alive, were patchier. ❋ ANDREW MORTON (1992)

"The soft patch is getting patchier still," HSBC economist Frederic Neumann said.

And thus did a candidate who appeared so fearsome on the horizon - and who, for now, rides high in polls - come to look somewhat frizzier and patchier in the barnyard upon closer inspection. ❋ By FRANK BRUNI (2011)