unpredictable

adjective

un·​pre·​dict·​able ˌən-pri-ˈdik-tə-bəl How to pronounce unpredictable (audio)
Synonyms of unpredictable
: 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
ˌən-pri-ˈdik-tə-blē How to pronounce unpredictable (audio)
adverb
changes that occur unpredictably
unpredictability
ˌən-pri-ˌdik-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce unpredictable (audio)
noun
the unpredictability of the weather

Synonyms of unpredictable

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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.
Between the brick wall, gusty winds and unpredictable weather, Wrigley Field is a particularly difficult place to play center field. — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026 Introduced in 2013 to amp up the drama at the end of the season, drivers and fans found the elimination-style postseason a bit too unpredictable, with the year’s top car on a season-long basis not winning the trophy since 2021. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 5 Sep. 2026 He's spent large amounts of time courting and flirting with unpredictable adversaries like North Korea and Russia. — Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026 This means its long-lasting effects are unpredictable, according to Harder. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2026 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

Rhymes for unpredictable

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Browse Nearby Words

unpredictability
unpredictable
unpredicted
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Cite this Entry

“Unpredictable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unpredictable. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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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
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