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

Not all military thrillers are alike, but common elements offer a sense of predictability amid the fog of war.

From The Wall Street Journal

Now he builds Christmas around comfort and predictability: staying at home, keeping numbers low and spreading activities out.

From BBC

For a risk-arbitrage community that trades on regulatory predictability and deal timing, these differences mean something.

From Barron's

This behavior is known as "slip predictability" and suggests scientists may be able to estimate how much movement could occur on fault segments that have not yet ruptured.

From Science Daily

Until recently, investors have had to pay a significant penalty to enjoy the predictability of a long-term CD, accepting lower rates than top savings accounts.

From Barron's

Related Words

• consistency
• precision
• uniformity