predictability
Americannoun
-
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.
-
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. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Subscriptions give predictability, transparency and remove barriers to care," says Francesca Verney, veterinary director at independent practice Pet People in London.
From BBC • Mar. 10, 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
But the absence of predictability should be a cause for concern.
From Barron's • Feb. 24, 2026
Cornyn, 74, represents institutional memory -- the belief that power is best preserved through coalition, predictability and incremental gain.
From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026
Keys to success with autistic children: Structure, predictability, and consistency are essential for students on the autism spectrum.
From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
