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.
As federal environmental policy undergoes rapid and often unpredictable shifts through reversals, reinterpretations and sometimes outright dismantling, businesses are left navigating a compliance landscape that feels more like quicksand than solid ground. John F. McQuillan, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025 John Daly and Tiger Woods share a legendary and unpredictable bond. Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025 Smaller airlines are reportedly being hurt worst by unpredictable travel times. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 27 May 2025 Trump’s aggressive and unpredictable policies — including massive import taxes — have clouded the outlook for the economy as well as the job market and raised fears that the American economy is headed toward recession. Matt Ott, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unpredictable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unpredictable. Accessed 31 May. 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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