predictable

1 of 2

adjective

pre·​dict·​able pri-ˈdik-tə-bəl 

1

: capable of being predicted : able to be known, seen, or declared in advance

a predictable reaction/outcome

a very predictable plot

changes occurring at a steady and predictable rate

2

: behaving in a way that is expected

I knew he would say that. He's so predictable.

predictability

pri-ˌdik-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

By comparing the projections, meteorologists can get a measure of the weather's predictability: The less agreement among the forecasts, the less predictable the weather.

—Richard Monastersky

predictability

2 of 2

noun

pre·​dict·​abil·​i·​ty

-lətē, 

-i

: the quality or state of being predictable

Examples of predictable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Its pricing is flat-rate, a single predictable cost for the procedure, rather than the per-graft billing used by most clinics. — Gretchen Wittenmyer-Stone, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026

The report suggests Brown’s experience is not an isolated failure, but the predictable result of a system in which no one agency is responsible for ensuring victims make it safely from beginning to end. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026

Matching satellites and rockets followed a predictable, orderly pattern. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 9 July 2026

But Blain, the financial counselor, said rent increases and property tax hikes typically occur annually and then appear as predictable monthly expenses. — Joe Hernandez, NPR, 9 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1820, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for predictable

• indictable
• unpredictable