predictability

American  

[pri-dik-tuh-bil-i-tee] / prɪˌdɪk təˈbɪl ɪ ti /

noun

1. consistent repetition of a state, course of action, behavior, or the like, making it possible to know in advance what to expect.

   The predictability of their daily lives was both comforting and boring.

2. the quality of being regarded as likely to happen, as behavior or an event.

   We were disheartened by the utter predictability of war.

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Etymology

Origin of predictability

First recorded in 1850–55; predict(able) ( def. ) + -ability ( def. )

Explanation

Children with autism usually benefit from predictability in their schedules, where they can expect the same thing to happen routinely every day. Predictability has only one meaning, but it can be considered good or bad depending on the context. The predictability of sunrise and sunset is extremely helpful. If a mystery novel, however, suffers from predictability, there probably won't be very much "mystery" involved after all, and no one will want to read it.

Example Sentences

"Subscriptions give predictability, transparency and remove barriers to care," says Francesca Verney, veterinary director at independent practice Pet People in London.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

Even without our being able to know a particular fund’s predictability, the new study can still help investors choose between different funds.

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

Large language models, a prominent form of artificial intelligence, rely on the predictability of language sequences to determine which part of a word is likely to appear next.

From Science Daily • Feb. 25, 2026

Cornyn, 74, represents institutional memory -- the belief that power is best preserved through coalition, predictability and incremental gain.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

Whereas the farm holds only sheep and apples and predictability.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern

Related Words

• consistency
• precision
• uniformity