Search Dictionary
Definition of unpredictable

unpredictable

/ˌʌnprɪˈdɪktəbəl/
un · pre · dict · a · ble
Adverb:unpredictably
•
Plural:unpredictables
JUMP TO:

unpredictable Lexical Profile

unpredictable Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Not able to be foreseen, known, or declared in advance; subject to sudden or unexpected change.

Example

"Mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable, so hikers should always pack extra layers."

2

Behaving in a way that is erratic, volatile, or impossible to anticipate (of a person or animal).

Example

"The stray dog was too unpredictable to be placed in a home with young children."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for unpredictable
Antonyms
View all antonyms for unpredictable

• noun

1

Something or someone that cannot be predicted or foreseen (usually used in the plural).

Example

"The project budget includes a contingency fund to cover any unpredictables that arise during construction."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for unpredictable
Antonyms
View all antonyms for unpredictable

• Rhymes for unpredictable

• Nearby Words

unprecedented
unprecedentedly
unpredictability
unpredictable
unpredictably
unpredicted
unpreferred

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in English from the negative prefix 'un-' and 'predictable', which derives from the Latin verb 'praedicere', meaning to foretell or announce beforehand ('prae-' meaning before + 'dicere' meaning to say).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Unpredictable. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/unpredictable
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.