lack of predictability

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence 'lack of predictability' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the uncertainty or unpredictability of a situation or event. For example: "The lack of predictability in the stock market makes it a risky venture for most investors."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When we are tickled by another person [33] the sensory consequences of its actions are unpredictable, and the lack of predictability leads to a high prediction error associated with increased activity in the secondary somatosensory cortex.

Brain Informatics

This lack of predictability puts workers in an impossible position.

The Guardian - Opinion

The hallmark of the program is the lack of predictability".

The New York Times

"What concerns founders and their investors is if there's a lack of predictability.

The Guardian - Tech

"The lack of predictability seems to be taking a huge psychological toll".

The New York Times

Its elusiveness, lack of predictability and apparent lack of fairness fuel public frustration and fascination.

The New York Times

The downside of buying through Amazon's subscription program is the lack of predictability, Mr. Wiesel said.

The New York Times - Tech

Discovery of novel materials is impaired by lack of predictability of solid-state synthesis.

Comptes Rendus Chimie

"The lack of predictability in the electricity sector creates uncertainty around which generation and network assets investors should either invest in or divest from".

The Guardian

The EAP faculty member told USA Today that the Chinese government is troubled by the lack of predictability in U.S. policy.

Cornell University

"My greatest worry will be that then we are at the mercy of the courts and all the lack of predictability that that entails," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lack of predictability" when emphasizing the absence of expected patterns or the inability to reliably forecast outcomes. This is particularly useful in discussions about financial markets, scientific experiments, and policy-making where stability and projection are key.

Common error

Avoid using "lack of predictability" as a direct cause; instead, frame it as a condition that leads to specific consequences. For example, instead of saying "The lack of predictability caused the failure", say "The failure was due to the lack of predictability" to clarify the relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of predictability" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state or condition, such as in the example, "The lack of predictability seems to be taking a huge psychological toll.". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

49%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lack of predictability" is a commonly used noun phrase that effectively conveys the absence of reliable forecasting or consistent patterns. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's versatile enough for neutral register, suitable for various writing contexts from scientific reports and news articles to business analyses. When writing, ensure it indicates conditions leading to consequences. When clarity and impact are intended, relying on "lack of predictability" effectively stresses the risks or uncertainties associated with unforeseen or unanticipated outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unpredictability

This term is a direct synonym, focusing on the inherent inability to predict outcomes.

uncertainty

Highlights the state of being unsure or doubtful about what might happen.

instability

Implies a lack of steadiness or reliability, suggesting erratic changes.

erraticism

Emphasizes irregularity and inconsistency, making predictions difficult.

volatility

Focuses on the tendency to change rapidly and unpredictably, often in a negative way.

randomness

Indicates a lack of pattern or determinism, making forecasting impossible.

contingency

Stresses the dependence on chance or unforeseen events.

insecurity

Highlights the feeling of unease or anxiety due to uncertain prospects.

indeterminacy

Implies that outcomes are not definitively fixed or established.

capriciousness

Suggests whimsical or impulsive behavior that defies prediction.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "lack of predictability" in a sentence?

Use "lack of predictability" to highlight uncertainty or the absence of expected patterns. For example, "The company's failure was attributed to the "unpredictability" of the market".

What phrases are similar to "lack of predictability"?

Alternatives include "uncertainty", "volatility", or "instability". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "lack of predictability" formal or informal?

"Lack of predictability" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or scientific writing, you might opt for a synonym like "indeterminacy" or "randomness" if they more accurately reflect the specific concept.

What's the difference between "lack of predictability" and "high variability"?

"Lack of predictability" implies an inability to forecast outcomes, while "high variability" indicates a wide range of possible results. High variability can contribute to a "lack of predictability", but they aren't always interchangeable. For instance, a system may have high variability within a predictable range.