unpredictable

[uhn-pri-dik-tuh-buhl]

adjective

1. not predictable; not to be foreseen or foretold.

   an unpredictable occurrence.

   Synonyms: uncertain, variable, fitful, erratic

noun

1. something that is unpredictable.

   the unpredictables of life.

unpredictable

/ ˌʌnprɪˈdɪktəbəl /

adjective

1. not capable of being predicted; changeable

Other Word Forms

• unpredictability noun
• unpredictableness noun
• unpredictably adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of unpredictable¹

First recorded in 1855–60; un- ¹ + predictable

Example Sentences

Not for the first time, you don't need me to remind you - but I will - that politics in the 2020s is a very unpredictable era.

From BBC

The unpredictable work hours, due to unforeseen delays and accidents, was one of the toughest challenges of the job.

From BBC

The ones that are funny, unpredictable and spontaneous.

From Los Angeles Times

Several unnerving things are happening at once, including the presence of a silhouetted stalker, old bones that give the dog nightmares and Todd’s unpredictable mood swings.

From Los Angeles Times

Both devastated neighborhoods and fire survivors face an unpredictable future that, given the recent intensity of wildfires in California, many more areas will have to face.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• erratic 
• fickle 
• uncertain 
• unreliable 
• unstable