predictable

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Advice For Buyers Look for analytics services that provide straightforward, transparent and predictable pricing. —Rohit Amarnath, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2023

After missing the tournament in 2021 and getting jettisoned early last spring, the Wildcats have looked tired and predictable on offense while struggling to lock down a postseason bid. —Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2023

The stability makes this boat ideal for fly fishing, or other activities like photography––it’s rock solid and predictable. —Ben Duchesney, Field & Stream, 6 Mar. 2023

Body roll is well controlled, and in hard corners, the Giulia remains flat and predictable. —Drew Dorian, Car and Driver, 3 Mar. 2023

Hal Bryan notes that the prior simulation fell apart in extreme situations, such as a stall and spin, so that the plane would behave in a wooden and overly predictable fashion. —IEEE Spectrum, 26 Feb. 2023

The path to rebuilding a college basketball program is anything but linear or predictable. —oregonlive, 26 Feb. 2023

Hot tip: Add a few decor items to one side for a dash of asymmetry that will guard against a look that’s overly regimented or predictable. —Rachel Silva, ELLE Decor, 16 Feb. 2023

Despite following all the rules for sonnets, the poem is cliche and predictable. —Seth Perlow, Washington Post, 13 Feb. 2023

See More

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined at sense 1