unpredictable

1 of 2

adjective

un·​pre·​dict·​able ˌən-pri-ˈdik-tə-bəl How to pronounce unpredictable (audio)
Synonyms of unpredictable
: 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 How to pronounce unpredictable (audio)
adverb
changes that occur unpredictably
unpredictability
ˌən-pri-ˌdik-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce unpredictable (audio)
noun
the unpredictability of the weather

unpredictability

2 of 2

noun

un·​predictability "+ How to pronounce unpredictability (audio)
: the quality or state of being unpredictable
the characteristic of the kaleidoscope is unpredictability—Margery Sharp

Synonyms of unpredictable

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Adjective

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Already into its sixth month, the conflict between the US and Iran shows no sign of resolution - but has instead evolved into an unpredictable cycle of escalation and pause. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026 Within these spaces, designed to produce idealized performances of femininity, the unpredictable rhythms of postpartum life become a quiet act of disruption. — Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026 This prepares them for an unpredictable future, fostering competence and confidence. — Lisa Schade, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 And their total hours worked don’t always account for wait times, while fluctuations in user demand can make income unpredictable. — Jacob Lederman, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unpredictable

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1840, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1878, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unpredictable was in 1840

Rhymes for unpredictable

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Browse Nearby Words

unpredictability
unpredictable
unpredicted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unpredictable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unpredictable. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on unpredictable

Nglish: Translation of unpredictable for Spanish Speakers

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