unpredictable

[ uhn-pri-dik-tuh-buhl ]

adjective

1. not predictable; not to be foreseen or foretold:

   an unpredictable occurrence.

   Synonyms: uncertain, variable, fitful, erratic

noun

1. something that is unpredictable:

   the unpredictables of life.

unpredictable

/ ˌʌnprɪˈdɪktəbəl /

adjective

1. not capable of being predicted; changeable

Derived Forms

• ˌunpreˈdictably, adverb
• ˌunpreˌdictaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• unpre·dicta·bili·ty unpre·dicta·ble·ness noun
• unpre·dicta·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of unpredictable¹

First recorded in 1855–60; un- ¹ + predictable

Example Sentences

In the months since, an unpredictable pandemic has rattled both of their businesses—along with global regulators raising concerns such a merger would harm competition in the content recommendation space.

From Digiday

The stability of gold also makes it a lucrative investment in these unpredictable times.

From Ozy

It’s always a good idea to pack layers for Sweden’s unpredictable weather.

From Outside Online

They have long been unhappy with what they see as Apple’s inconsistent enforcement of its own App Store guidelines, unpredictable content decisions and lapses in communication, according to more than a dozen people involved in the matter.

From Fortune

Any way to reduce employee stress can be a game-changer when it comes to the unpredictable nature of events, especially when there is absolutely no cost to the employer, and no needed change management either.

From Digiday

Though conversational and often witty, his meandering phrases become increasingly unpredictable as they develop.

From The Daily Beast

After decades of violence, flights to Kisangani are unpredictable and Western tourists are virtually unheard of.

From The Daily Beast

Good news, in an epidemic as unpredictable as this one, must be met with caution.

From The Daily Beast

The sexual acts are mysterious, unpredictable, and passionate; they tease your senses.

From The Daily Beast

Poor Stone, like most of us, forced to share a stage with this unpredictable, spoiled brat, looked uncomfortable.

From The Daily Beast

Blessed if you're not as unpredictable as one of Hitler's speeches.

From Project Gutenberg

In the color-selecting tests the average of error was quite unpredictable.

From Project Gutenberg

Would she thank me, or would she reply with some eccentricity unpredictable as her whim to tell me that tale?

From Project Gutenberg

It was the first of several unpredictable events quite outside the range of Ed's experience.

From Project Gutenberg

Her humors, where he was concerned, were unpredictable; and lately she had found a special 152 delight in attacks on his dignity.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• erratic
• fickle
• uncertain
• unreliable
• unstable