unpredictable

adjective

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

Examples of unpredictable in a Sentence

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.
With its surprising best picture win at the Critics Choice Awards — its only prize of the night — the $6 million dramedy, which claimed the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, has solidified itself as a major contender in an unpredictable awards season. Clayton Davis, Variety, 9 Feb. 2025 But here’s what the L.A. fires have taught us: No plan survives its first encounter with an unpredictable reality. Josh Klein, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2025 And with President Donald Trump's tariff threats highlighting the risk of that dependence, the success of the $24 billion Trans Mountain expansion is stoking Canada's desire to further decouple from its unpredictable neighbor -- and play a larger role in global oil markets. Robert Tuttle Bloomberg News (wpns), arkansasonline.com, 9 Feb. 2025 Sailings run from December to May, during which time the region’s unpredictable weather abates for long enough to allow for comfortable exploration. Justin Meneguzzi, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for unpredictable 

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unpredictable was in 1840

Dictionary Entries Near unpredictable

Cite this Entry

“Unpredictable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unpredictable. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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