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

But Cohen said that it’s quite likely that in the near future, it will be possible to feed his research into a generative AI model and ask about the predictability of a particular fund’s trades.

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

Large language models, a prominent form of artificial intelligence, rely on the predictability of language sequences to determine which part of a word is likely to appear next.

From Science Daily • Feb. 25, 2026

While tariffs can still be imposed, it would be through a process that would provide more predictability, he said.

From Barron's • Feb. 23, 2026

"Competitiveness is won in operations, not treaties. Vietnam's advantage comes from speed, predictability and deep supply-chain integration, not just tariff access," said Kotla.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

The house liked the warm predictability of the lives lived inside him.

From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland

Related Words

• consistency
• precision
• uniformity