flak·i·ness
ˈflā-kē-nəs 
: the quality or state of being composed of flakes or of tending to separate into or peel in flakes
The flour (high or low protein) plays a role in the final tenderness of pastry, but it's the amount and distribution of the fat through the flour that determine the pastry's flakiness.—
Shirley Corriher
Shirley Corriher1
: lack of reliability : the tendency to behave or perform undependably
Mobile phones make it all too easy to cancel plans at the last minute, but social flakiness isn't a recipe for health and happiness—or good for our relationships.—Anna Hart
Anna HartThis free utility takes a look at your hard drives and ferrets out any physical errors it finds, so you know what might be causing random crashes or system flakiness.—Lisa Hoover
Lisa Hoover2
: peculiarity or eccentricity in thinking or behavior
Others claim [Millicent] Fenwick's eccentricity borders on flakiness. Once, during a House debate on whether federal election ballots should be bilingual, Fenwick got up and spoke in fluent Spanish—not on the issue, but on the aesthetic merits of a beautiful language.—Gioia Diliberto
Gioia DilibertoExamples of flakiness in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Jessie Quinn, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024
For those whose dry, sensitive skin can tolerate retinoids, this formula is a must-try to help stave off irritation and flakiness.
—Emily Orofino, Allure, 24 Oct. 2024
Those dealing with scalp conditions such as psoriasis, folliculitis, or seborrheic dermatitis may experience worsened irritation and visible flakiness that, beyond being visually distracting, can be quite uncomfortable.
—Tayler Adigun, Essence, 9 Oct. 2024
The Scalp Relief Tonic, in particular, eases itchiness and inflammation quickly with the help of soothing cica, chamomile, and rosemary oil, while hydrating panthenol, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid help prevent future dryness and flakiness from occurring.
—Devon Abelman, Allure, 2 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for flakiness 
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Noun
This formula is also a favorite amongst our editors, who swear by it for addressing skin dehydration concerns, such as dry patches and flakiness.
—Jessie Quinn, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024
For those whose dry, sensitive skin can tolerate retinoids, this formula is a must-try to help stave off irritation and flakiness.
—Emily Orofino, Allure, 24 Oct. 2024
Those dealing with scalp conditions such as psoriasis, folliculitis, or seborrheic dermatitis may experience worsened irritation and visible flakiness that, beyond being visually distracting, can be quite uncomfortable.
—Tayler Adigun, Essence, 9 Oct. 2024
The Scalp Relief Tonic, in particular, eases itchiness and inflammation quickly with the help of soothing cica, chamomile, and rosemary oil, while hydrating panthenol, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid help prevent future dryness and flakiness from occurring.
—Devon Abelman, Allure, 2 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for flakiness
Dictionary Entries Near flakiness
Cite this Entry
“Flakiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flakiness. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
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