predictable

[pri-dik-tuh-buhl]

adjective

1. able to be foretold or declared in advance.

   New technology allows predictable weather forecasting.

2. expected, especially on the basis of previous or known behavior.

   His complaints are so predictable.

Other Word Forms

• predictably adverb
• nonpredictable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of predictable¹

First recorded in 1815–25; predict ( def. ) + -able ( def. )

Example Sentences

In combination with the “Big Vile Bill,” the shutdown is defunding a range of science, environmental, health and social safety net programs, with predictable negative consequences for public health and mortality.

Read more on Salon

The South Korean leader is keen to "seek a measure of economic stability and a more predictable floor in bilateral relations," he told AFP.

Read more on Barron's

Who wants dull stocks that merely make predictable profits and give them back to shareholders, when you could bet on the creation of our new robot overlords?

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“The consequences have been dire, and wholly predictable.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

They stress that the el-Fasher killings were entirely predictable, but the international community failed to act to protect civilians despite ample warning.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• certain