mid-14c., "marked with spots," from spot (n.) + -y (2). Meaning "unsteady, uneven" is attested from 1932, from a more specific use with reference to painting (1812).
the wall had a spotty speckled effect
the golfer hit the ball well but his putting was spotty
sporty
spot
spotless
spotlight
spotter
spotty
spousage
spousal
spouse
spout
sprag
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