patchyself-control
nounUK /ˈpætʃi ˈsɛlf kənˈtrəʊl/
US /ˈpætʃi ˈsɛlf kənˈtroʊl/
Self-control that is not steady and comes and goes.
His patchyself-control meant he could resist candy some days but not others.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The habit of holding back only sometimes, depending on the situation.
Her patchyself-control showed up at parties but vanished at dessert tables.
3. A mix of strong and weak moments in resisting urges.
Patchyself-control made his diet hard to follow.
4. Self-restraint that improves in some places and fails in others.
He had patchyself-control at work but none at home.