predictability

American  

[pri-dik-tuh-bil-i-tee] / prɪˌdɪk təˈbɪl ɪ ti /

noun

1. consistent repetition of a state, course of action, behavior, or the like, making it possible to know in advance what to expect.

   The predictability of their daily lives was both comforting and boring.

2. the quality of being regarded as likely to happen, as behavior or an event.

   We were disheartened by the utter predictability of war.

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Etymology

Origin of predictability

First recorded in 1850–55; predict(able) ( def. ) + -ability ( def. )

Explanation

Children with autism usually benefit from predictability in their schedules, where they can expect the same thing to happen routinely every day. Predictability has only one meaning, but it can be considered good or bad depending on the context. The predictability of sunrise and sunset is extremely helpful. If a mystery novel, however, suffers from predictability, there probably won't be very much "mystery" involved after all, and no one will want to read it.

Example Sentences

Siemens in a media release said the reference design allows data center owners and operators to deploy extreme-density AI infrastructure faster, with lower risk, and greater predictability.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

“Time matters, and predictability of the process matters,” he says, adding that those higher costs are passed to consumers.

From Barron's • May 31, 2026

"Long term, it's actually scared away investors, he said. "And all the oppression also affected how investors see Saudi Arabia as a government, as a country, that lacks what investors want, which is predictability.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

Microsoft says the new partnership will simplify the business alliance and create more predictability long-term.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

My father was the president of predictability, probably something he learned when he was in the army.

From "All American Boys" by Jason Reynolds

Related Words

• consistency
• precision
• uniformity