full of gaps; missing important things here and there
Describes a state where elements that should be present are missing in a scattered, irregular way, like a comb with missing teeth. Often used figuratively for incomplete collections, attendance, or coverage.
His book collection is full of gaps, with volumes missing from the middle of the series.
The attendance at the meeting was spotty, with many people missing.
Standard kanji spelling for this set phrase.
Kana spelling is common when the kanji 櫛 is considered difficult or when the phrase is used in casual writing.
A set phrase derived from the literal image of a comb with missing teeth, used figuratively to describe something with irregular gaps or missing elements.