unpredictable

adjective

un·​pre·​dict·​able ˌən-pri-ˈdik-tə-bəl 

: 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 

adverb

changes that occur unpredictably

unpredictability

ˌən-pri-ˌdik-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

the unpredictability of the weather

Synonyms

• capricious
• changeable
• changeful
• fickle
• flickery
• fluctuating
• fluid
• inconsistent
• inconstant
• mercurial
• mutable
• skittish
• temperamental
• uncertain
• unsettled
• unstable
• unsteady
• variable
• volatile

Examples of unpredictable in a Sentence

unpredictable spring weather that makes it really hard to know what to wear

Recent Examples on the Web

Until then, Californians will be urged to prepare for potential water shortages as the state navigates another year of unpredictable extremes. —Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024

The filmmakers can certainly take inspiration from their subjects, who consistently rallied during unpredictable occasions. —Steve Dollar, Los Angeles Times, 2 Dec. 2024

Loggins is a surprisingly versatile songwriter with a sinuous delivery and a knack for unpredictable funk. —Elias Leight, Billboard, 2 Dec. 2024

He’s enjoyed the specter of games in Buffalo, from unpredictable weather to a rabid fan base. —Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 30 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

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