predictability

[ pri-dik-tuh-bil-i-tee ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of predictability¹

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

Example Sentences

Even during “normal” times, businesses still struggle with predictability in their supply chains and delivery channels.

From Search Engine Land

One is that, when students are experiencing extreme tragedy or uncertainty, what they need the most for their emotional well-being is predictability, routine, and structure.

From Fortune

Modern clocks provide many important services by establishing predictability in a complex and fast-paced world.

From Nautilus

While it brings predictability in revenue for health systems and can prove vital in times like these, it means hospitals might earn less money in normal years.

From Ozy

Their stated purpose is “to improve predictability and help users improve the presentation of their goods and services, or a characteristic of those goods and services.”

From Search Engine Land

Considering the grand tradition of un-predictability in the Hermit Kingdom, there are countless other possibilities.

From The Daily Beast

"The word that we're hearing a lot in our research is predictability vs. unpredictability," Silver explained.

From The Daily Beast

With the predictability of Halloween decorations flooding your local CVS, the Tea Party is once again being pronounced dead.

From The Daily Beast

They were right the first time: Economic security and predictability are critical for economic growth.

From The Daily Beast

The narrative is paced and comfortable, peppered with bursts of predictability.

From The Daily Beast

Some people prefer leisure, or freedom, or predictability to expected money.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• consistency
• precision
• uniformity