uncertain quality

[/ʌnˈsɜːrtn ˈkwɒlɪti/]
noun phrasepl: uncertain qualities
qualidade incerta
1. Something whose value, standard, or nature is unclear, doubtful, or variable
The uncertain quality of the materials made it difficult to complete the project on time.
A qualidade incerta dos materiais tornou difícil concluir o projeto no prazo.
2. A characteristic or attribute that lacks consistency or reliability
The restaurant's uncertain quality has led to mixed customer reviews.
A qualidade incerta do restaurante resultou em avaliações mistas dos clientes.
3. A feature or aspect that is questionable or subject to doubt
The data presented was of uncertain quality and required further verification.
Os dados apresentados eram de qualidade incerta e necessitavam de verificação adicional.
This phrase is commonly used in business, manufacturing, and consumer contexts in both Brazilian and American English when discussing product reliability, service standards, or material consistency. In Brazil, it's frequently heard in construction, food service, and retail industries when describing inconsistent standards. In the USA, it's widely used in quality assurance discussions and consumer reviews.
NYC Slang
sketch quality / sus quality (uncertain reliability or authenticity)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
questionable qualitydubious qualityvariable qualityinconsistent qualityuneven quality
Antonyms / Antônimos
guaranteed qualitycertain qualityassured qualityconsistent qualityreliable quality

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
qualidade incerta
Standard usage throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
qualidade duvidosa
Slightly more colloquial variant
São Paulo
qualidade questionável
More formal business usage
Portugal
qualidade incerta
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; also 'qualidade duvidosa'

Related Words

quality assurancequality controldoubtfulreliabilitystandardconsistency

Related Idioms & Phrases

of uncertain quality
questionable in quality
hit or miss quality
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