uncertain and unpredictable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uncertain and unpredictable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe situations, outcomes, or events that lack clarity or are difficult to foresee. Example: "The weather this time of year is often uncertain and unpredictable, making it hard to plan outdoor activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"The future with M.S. is always uncertain and unpredictable.

The New York Times

"The market is so uncertain and unpredictable," Mr. Petrarca said.

The New York Times

Rarely if ever in our lifetimes has Britain faced such an uncertain and unpredictable future.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nor should we assume a linear trajectory – more so now than ever, as we attempt to navigate today's uncertain and unpredictable digital world, in which things are changing with an ever greater rapidity.

The Guardian - Film

These outfits are, however, an expression of an authentic Japanese experience: that of belonging to a society that until recently was extremely ordered and disciplined, but which, over the past decade, has grown more uncertain and unpredictable.

The New Yorker

Uncertain and Unpredictable.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Over time, various definitions and characterizations of innovation have been offered, such as: innovation often arises from novel combinations of existing knowledge (Schumpeter 1934); centers on concepts of renewal, modernization, and change (King and Anderson 2002); and is something new and intended with an often uncertain, risky, and unpredictable outcome (Angle 2000).

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Life is often uncertain, unfair and unpredictable, but this is not: that I choose you.

Huffington Post

Transaction cost economics consists of four main elements: The world is uncertain and therefore unpredictable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In reviewing these schemes, it is clear that they are not just technically uncertain and have unpredictable effects; many are fraught with grave geopolitical risks too.

The Guardian

I don't know how I knew what to do.... Most of my life [as an investor and an educator] is spent with people... and people... are so uncertain and so unpredictable.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "uncertain and unpredictable" when you want to emphasize both the lack of knowledge about something and its inherent instability. This phrase works well in contexts where future outcomes are difficult to foresee and are subject to change.

Common error

Avoid using "uncertain and unpredictable" when either word alone sufficiently conveys the intended meaning. For instance, if the primary concern is the inability to predict an outcome, "unpredictable" might suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncertain and unpredictable" functions as a compound adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of lacking predictability and certainty. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is usable in written English and well supported by various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "uncertain and unpredictable" effectively conveys a lack of predictability and certainty, functioning as a compound adjective applicable across diverse contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly used. While synonyms like "unstable and erratic" or "ambiguous and volatile" exist, this phrase uniquely combines both elements, making it suitable when both aspects are relevant. Usage is most frequent in News & Media and Science, showing a neutral register. It is important to ensure the context benefits from the combined emphasis to avoid redundancy. Ludwig examples show the phrase describing situations like economic forecasts and personal futures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unstable and erratic

Suggests more active variation and a lack of consistent pattern.

unpredictable and risky

Focuses on the inability to foresee outcomes and the potential for negative consequences.

unreliable and inconstant

Emphasizes a lack of dependability and consistency over time.

ambiguous and volatile

Implies a lack of clarity coupled with a tendency to change rapidly and unpredictably.

unsettled and changeable

Indicates a lack of stability and a likelihood of alteration.

tenuous and precarious

Highlights the fragility and vulnerability of a situation.

dubious and unforeseeable

Highlights skepticism and the impossibility of predicting what will happen.

contingent and fluctuating

Indicates dependence on external factors and a tendency to vary.

fluid and indefinite

Suggests a lack of fixed form or boundaries and a lack of precise limits.

iffy and chancy

Offers a more informal way to express doubt and a significant element of chance.

FAQs

How can I use "uncertain and unpredictable" in a sentence?

You can use "uncertain and unpredictable" to describe events, situations, or outcomes that are difficult to foresee or anticipate. For example, "The future of the economy is "uncertain and unpredictable"."

What are some alternatives to "uncertain and unpredictable"?

Alternatives include "unstable and erratic", "unreliable and inconstant", or "ambiguous and volatile", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say something is both "uncertain and unpredictable"?

While there is some overlap in meaning, "uncertain" emphasizes a lack of knowledge or clarity, while "unpredictable" highlights the inability to foresee outcomes. Using both words can strengthen the description, but ensure the context warrants the emphasis.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "uncertain and unpredictable"?

This phrase is suitable in contexts where outcomes are genuinely unknown and subject to sudden change, such as discussing economic forecasts, weather patterns, or the behavior of complex systems.