predictable
Americanadjective
-
able to be foretold or declared in advance.
New technology allows predictable weather forecasting.
-
expected, especially on the basis of previous or known behavior.
His complaints are so predictable.
Other Word Forms
- nonpredictable adjective
- predictably adverb
Etymology
Origin of predictable
First recorded in 1815–25; predict ( def. ) + -able ( 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.
To address this, scientists have developed control systems that help these machines behave in predictable ways.
From Science Daily • Mar. 31, 2026
Novo Nordisk has launched a new discounted subscription program for its Wegovy obesity drugs in the U.S. as it tries to win customers by offering a “lower, predictable monthly price.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026
It is clear and predictable that Manchester United are a more popular pick for TV.
From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026
The scene following the collapse of Netflix’s bid to buy Warner Bros. was perhaps a bit predictable — the streaming giant is raising prices.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026
Things were predictable for the next couple of weeks.
From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows
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.
