unpredictable

1 of 2

adjective

un·​pre·​dict·​able ˌən-pri-ˈdik-tə-bəl 

: not predictable: such as

a

: not able to be known or declared in advance

unpredictable weather

b

: tending to behave in ways that cannot be predicted

an unpredictable boss

unpredictably

ˌən-pri-ˈdik-tə-blē 

adverb

changes that occur unpredictably

unpredictability

ˌən-pri-ˌdik-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

the unpredictability of the weather

unpredictability

2 of 2

noun

un·​predictability "+ 

: the quality or state of being unpredictable

the characteristic of the kaleidoscope is unpredictability

—Margery Sharp

Synonyms of unpredictable

Adjective

• volatile
• unstable
• changeful

Examples of unpredictable in a Sentence

Adjective

unpredictable spring weather that makes it really hard to know what to wear

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Kemp said events of this scale can help smaller businesses attract customers, although navigating licensing requirements and unpredictable sales remains challenging. — Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026

The comet also neared Earth in March 2025 and remains relatively close this year — which means that for this unpredictable shower, an outburst is always possible, according to EarthSky. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026

Conflict in mining regions, disputed licenses, slow permitting, and unpredictable enforcement have long deterred Western investors, while Chinese operators have been better able to absorb those risks. — Ruben Nyanguila, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Long Tiddie Short Story is unmistakably her — honest, unpredictable and incredibly funny. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1840, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1878, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unpredictable

• indictable
• predictable

Kids Definition

unpredictable

adjective

un·​pre·​dict·​able

ˌən-pri-ˈdik-tə-bəl

: not predictable

unpredictability

-ˌdik-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē

noun

unpredictably

-ˈdik-tə-blē

adverb