unpredictability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unpredictability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the quality of being unpredictable or the lack of predictability in various contexts, such as behavior, events, or outcomes. Example: "The unpredictability of the weather makes planning outdoor events quite challenging."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, if you want the unpredictability, the highs and the lows, then apply – but when you get here, don't expect to be paid for all the hours that you work.

The Guardian

Tracy Morgan, the talented 30 Rock comedian whose unpredictability once threatened to outshine his accomplishments, took questions on Reddit on Thursday as part of a tour to rehabilitate his image ahead of a new comedy special and standup tour.

The Guardian - Tech

New Hampshire has a reputation for unpredictability, but even by its past standards it is hard to see anyone bridge the gap in the few days left until Tuesday.

The Guardian

Is there something about the game, the combination of luck, bloody-mindedness, unpredictability and caprice that can drive a person over the edge?

The Guardian - Sport

His argument is that GM varieties are less risky because very few new genes are transferred and they are carefully selected: Even the possibility of "unknown unknowns" does not stand up as a legitimate concern because the unpredictability of a new GM variety is much less than in conventional breeding.

The Guardian

It is the mix of watchfulness, dedication and unpredictability (the atmosphere of the art class) that informs his films and plays.

The Guardian - Film

More important to seed-sector development, these bans signal the arbitrariness and unpredictability of public policy".

The Guardian

"Some of our services were extremely busy however trains are built to robust industry standards recognising that peaks will occur due to the unpredictability of customers' travel patterns and there are no defined upper limits on the number of customers permitted to travel on board a train.

The Guardian

Any apprehension I might have felt about revisiting familiar territory has been dispelled by lqbal's passion for a particular aspect of Miller's writing: its unpredictability.

The Guardian

The continuing occupation of Azerbaijani territories by Armenian armed forces not only threatens the peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus, but also is a source of instability and unpredictability for the future of the wider region.To resolve the conflict Armenian armed forces should withdraw from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan and displaced persons should return to their homeland.

The Economist

Yet this was more a product of unpredictability than irrationality.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing long-term trends or investments, explicitly acknowledge the inherent "unpredictability" by including scenario planning and contingency strategies.

Common error

Avoid using "unpredictability" as an excuse for a lack of planning or analysis. Acknowledge it, but still strive to identify potential patterns and manage risks.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "unpredictability" is as a noun, typically functioning as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes the quality or state of being unpredictable. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in contexts ranging from healthcare to sports.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Ludwig analysis confirms that "unpredictability" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the state of being impossible to predict. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this term is grammatically correct and very common, often employed in contexts where risks and uncertainties are central themes. Its usage spans across diverse domains, but it is particularly prevalent in news and media, business, and scientific discourse. While synonyms like "uncertainty" and "volatility" offer similar meanings, "unpredictability" distinctly emphasizes the aspect of future forecasting. When using this term, acknowledge its presence without overstating its impact, and pair this acknowledgment with risk management and planning strategies. Considering these nuances will improve the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of predictability

Highlights the absence of predictable patterns or outcomes.

uncertainty

Focuses on the state of not knowing something for sure.

volatility

Emphasizes rapid and significant changes or fluctuations.

erratic nature

Highlights the irregular and inconsistent behavior of something.

capriciousness

Suggests behavior that is whimsical and impulsive.

changeability

Focuses on the propensity to change or be altered.

inconstancy

Emphasizes the lack of steadiness or reliability.

randomness

Highlights the lack of a discernible pattern or order.

unforeseeability

Focuses on the impossibility of predicting future events or outcomes.

indeterminacy

Suggests a lack of clear or fixed limits or boundaries.

FAQs

How can I use "unpredictability" in a sentence?

"Unpredictability" is used to describe something that is not easily predicted. For instance, "The unpredictability of the stock market makes it a risky investment."

What is a good synonym for "unpredictability"?

Alternatives to "unpredictability" include "uncertainty", "volatility", or "capriciousness", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the unpredictability of the situation"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "the unpredictability of the situation" is a common and acceptable way to describe the uncertain nature of a situation.

What is the difference between "unpredictability" and "uncertainty"?

"Unpredictability" emphasizes the inability to forecast events, while "uncertainty" focuses on the lack of sureness or knowledge about something. They are often used interchangeably, but "unpredictability" is more specific to forecasting.