# unpredictability

/ˌənpɹəˌdɪktəˈbɪɫɪti/ (US) · /ʌnpɹɪdˌɪktəbˈɪlɪti/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unpredictability
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

the quality of being hard to guess or plan for. You use this when something changes suddenly and you cannot know what will happen next.

For teachers: the quality of being difficult to foresee or anticipate; a lack of consistency or regularity in behavior or outcomes.

## Examples

- The weather in this region is famous for its unpredictability.
- The stock market's unpredictability makes it a risky choice for people who need their money to stay safe.
- While the scientist's theory was elegant, its failure to account for the unpredictability of human behavior led to a complete overhaul of the research model.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.