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.
More than ever before in modern times, people’s careers are fragile, unpredictable, and subject to pressures beyond their control. Nino Paoli, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2025 As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on how players navigate the unpredictable greens and whether the LPGA’s course care efforts can hold up under the heat. Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 His advice for the perfect Frieze Masters outfit includes a raincoat, an umbrella for the unpredictable British weather and an undyed cashmere blazer from Dunhill with a matching turtleneck in a neutral color, a look that’s quintessentially Holloway. Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2025 Stanfield co-stars as Grofield, his quick-thinking partner-in-crime who’s part actor, part hustler, and wholly unpredictable. Okla Jones, Essence, 9 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 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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