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 Words From

• pre·dicta·bly adverb
• nonpre·dicta·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of predictable¹

First recorded in 1815–25; predict ( def ) + -able ( def )

Example Sentences

A five-year plan approved by regents in 2021 allows a one-time tuition increase tied to inflation for each class of incoming undergraduates, with no further changes for up to six years to provide a stable source of revenue for campuses and predictable college costs for students.

From Los Angeles Times

Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun and are generally very predictable.

From Los Angeles Times

Our media is tuned to telling a very conventional and predictable story about the United States of America, and that story does not allow for true examinations of those things lest the media actually engage in critical self-reflection and ask really hard questions about itself and its role in these great problems.

From Salon

For the record, I appreciated his performance and I mostly enjoyed watching “Heretic,” which, though predictable at times, sounds all the requisite creepy notes while still being more thoughtful and less bloody than much of the genre.

From Los Angeles Times

Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East and a perversely charming Hugh Grant commit to a deftly acted, somewhat predictable horror movie set in a remote house with secrets.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• certain