unpredictable

American  

[uhn-pri-dik-tuh-buhl] / ˌʌn prɪˈdɪk tə bəl /

adjective

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

   an unpredictable occurrence.

   Synonyms:

   uncertain, variable, fitful, erratic

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noun

1. something that is unpredictable.

   the unpredictables of life.

unpredictable British  

/ ˌʌnprɪˈdɪktəbəl /

adjective

1. not capable of being predicted; changeable

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Other Word Forms

• unpredictability noun
• unpredictableness noun
• unpredictably adverb

Etymology

Origin of unpredictable

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

Example Sentences

With the caveat that crises are inherently unpredictable, probably not.

From The Wall Street Journal

It likewise suggests that technological progress is too unpredictable for one organization, no matter how powerful or smart, to control.

From The Wall Street Journal

In the meantime, the biggest thing since cryptocurrency has an unpredictable future.

From Barron's

Today, Japan’s decadeslong embrace of pacifism is fading as the country confronts a more dangerous and unpredictable world.

From The Wall Street Journal

She said interacting with banks online more means consumers "place our faith in technology which can suffer unpredictable errors" - adding it was important this was made clear to customers.

From BBC

Related Words

• erratic
• fickle
• uncertain
• unreliable
• unstable