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 response to the court ruling, Baroness Mone said it was "shocking but all too predictable".

From BBC

He wound up throwing 91 pitches, giving up four hits and a walk, before Roberts went to the bullpen to start the eighth, with predictable results.

From Los Angeles Times

My late grandmother, in particular, had a predictable, beloved spread: shrimp cocktail with horseradish-laced sauce; the supermarket veggie platter with ranch; crockpot meatballs simmered in barbecue sauce and grape jelly; salsa with Tostito’s scoops.

From Salon

Students under 13 are banned from using generative AI tools, which provide answers that are less controllable and predictable.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet, everything that unfolds around this moment is entirely predictable.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• certain