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

Derived Forms

• ˌunpreˌdictaˈbility, noun
• ˌunpreˈdictably, adverb

Other Words From

• unpre·dicta·bili·ty unpre·dicta·ble·ness noun
• unpre·dicta·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of unpredictable¹

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

Example Sentences

"If that relationship becomes unpredictable, or is marked by repeated bouts of good and bad behavior, it can cause real problems for the whole team."

From Science Daily

I don’t know Jon personally but I think it’s pretty apparent from this week’s antics already that he’s a pretty unpredictable character.

From BBC

And few places in gaming are as unpredictable as an IndieCade event.

From Los Angeles Times

In a statement, the US embassy in Haiti said it was "aware of gang-led efforts to block travel to and from Port-au-Prince" and said the security situation in the country remained "unpredictable and dangerous".

From BBC

However, tipping practices also sparked debates about fairness and inequality as employers increasingly relied on tips to supplement low wages, leaving workers dependent on unpredictable gratuities.

From Salon

Related Words

• erratic
• fickle
• uncertain
• unreliable
• unstable