outcome is unpredictable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outcome is unpredictable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing situations or events where the results cannot be anticipated or foreseen. Example: "In complex systems, the outcome is unpredictable, making it difficult to plan effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

But this time, both sides say, the outcome is unpredictable.

The New York Times

The most predictable thing about war is that the long-term outcome is unpredictable.

The New York Times

With path-dependent processes, the outcome is unpredictable at the start.

The New Yorker

It's important to understand that the treatment outcome is unpredictable and can possibly do more harm than good.

University of California, Berkeley

Despite its versatility and ease of implementation, CRISPR/Cas9 editing outcome is unpredictable and can generate mosaic founders.

Methods

Patients shouldn't feel a thing.The downside of the implantable stimulator is that its results vary considerably and the outcome is unpredictable.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

There were other ways in which the outcome was unpredictable.

The New York Times

Lawyers for several of the parties said it had become clear that a trial would be long and grueling and that the outcome was unpredictable.

The New York Times

My supervisor told me to smile, relax and enjoy the discussion, but warned me the outcome was unpredictable: one student's viva had taken a whole day, another was told to rewrite her entire thesis, and some had even been sent back to do more fieldwork.

The Guardian

That some shoppers are influenced to stay out of his stores just means his intent may have backfired, not that the outcome was unpredictable or unjustified.

Los Angeles Times

SUCH questions underscore that assassinations can make a difference, though outcomes are unpredictable, confirming again Machiavelli's point that politics is largely the domain of chance events.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex systems or processes, use "outcome is unpredictable" to accurately reflect the inherent uncertainty. This adds credibility and nuance to your analysis.

Common error

Avoid presenting situations as definitively predictable when using this phrase. Recognize and acknowledge the range of possible outcomes, suggesting that the "outcome is unpredictable" rather than assuming a single, certain result.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outcome is unpredictable" primarily functions as a descriptive statement. It asserts the quality of unpredictability about a particular outcome. This is supported by Ludwig's identification of the phrase as grammatically correct and usable across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

40%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "outcome is unpredictable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe situations where the results are uncertain or impossible to foresee. As affirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is common across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. When using this phrase, acknowledge the inherent uncertainty and range of possible results. Related phrases include "result is uncertain" and "consequence is unknown", although these carry slightly different nuances. Be mindful of not overstating certainty, and recognize the limitations of predicting complex systems and processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

result is uncertain

Changes 'outcome' to 'result' and 'unpredictable' to 'uncertain', emphasizing the lack of certainty.

consequence is unknown

Substitutes 'outcome' with 'consequence' and 'unpredictable' with 'unknown', focusing on the lack of knowledge about the result.

it's impossible to foresee the result

Rephrases to highlight the inability to anticipate the result.

the future is unclear

Broadens the scope to the overall future being uncertain, rather than a specific outcome.

the end is not yet determined

Focuses on the final state not being decided or known.

what will happen is uncertain

Emphasizes the uncertainty of future events.

the conclusion is indefinite

Highlights that the final conclusion or resolution is not clearly defined.

the upshot remains to be seen

Suggests the final result is still unfolding and not yet apparent.

the culmination is uncertain

Emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding the final culminating event.

the denouement is unforeseeable

Uses a more formal word 'denouement' to indicate the resolution of a story or situation is impossible to predict.

FAQs

How can I use "outcome is unpredictable" in a sentence?

You can use "outcome is unpredictable" to describe situations where the result is uncertain. For example: "Due to the complex variables involved, the "outcome is unpredictable"."

What phrases are similar to "outcome is unpredictable"?

Similar phrases include "result is uncertain", "consequence is unknown", or "the future is unclear", all of which convey a sense of uncertainty.

Is it better to say "outcome is unpredictable" or "outcome is uncertain"?

Both "outcome is unpredictable" and "outcome is uncertain" are correct. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Unpredictable" emphasizes the inability to foresee the result, while "uncertain" stresses the lack of sureness or confidence about the result.

In what situations is "outcome is unpredictable" most appropriate?

"Outcome is unpredictable" is appropriate in situations involving complex systems, new research, or events with many influencing factors. It's often used in contexts where there's inherent variability or a lack of complete information.