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.

---

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

“Said differently, hyperscalers appear increasingly willing to exchange pricing for multiyear supply visibility and greater predictability around future deployment economics,” Arcuri wrote in a report earlier this week.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

"Long term, it's actually scared away investors, he said. "And all the oppression also affected how investors see Saudi Arabia as a government, as a country, that lacks what investors want, which is predictability.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

"Competing regional manufacturing markets could benefit if concerns over predictability and continuity persist."

From BBC • May 21, 2026

Cornyn, 74, has served in the Senate since 2003 and has leaned heavily on support from the chamber's Republican leaders, who argue that he offers predictability in November.

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

There is an order, a predictability, a permanence about the stars.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

Related Words

• consistency
• precision
• uniformity