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. )

Example Sentences

“It gives them predictability every Friday,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal

The ports ministry said earlier in January that the contract of a company for maintenance dredging was necessary to "increase navigation safety... and ensure greater predictability for cargo and passenger transport operations."

From Barron's

Fixed-rate loans have long been a popular choice for buyers, in part for their predictability.

From Barron's

Research has found investors are willing to give up some return to own “safe” assets such as dollar-denominated Treasury bonds, which are backed by the strength and predictability of the U.S. government.

From The Wall Street Journal

Yet he said the same was true for most other countries, which in turn found renewed appeal in what Europe has to offer: partnership, predictability and stability.

From Barron's

Related Words

• consistency
• precision
• uniformity