unpredictable result

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unpredictable result" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing outcomes that cannot be anticipated or foreseen, often in contexts like experiments, events, or decisions. Example: "The experiment yielded an unpredictable result, leaving the researchers puzzled about the underlying factors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The embryo created by cloning would be the first human embryo to have its genetic identity selected in advance, the first embryo whose makeup is not the unpredictable result of uniting sperm and egg.

The New York Times

Some somersaulting left-wing commentators who were for Mr Brown before they were against him, and are now for him again explain his inconsistency and their own as the unpredictable result of historical lightning, an act of the political gods.

The Economist

The correction of mal-alignment of the mechanical axis is associated with unpredictable result and with higher revision rates.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

Taking a fraction of one sound and repeating it make an unrecognizable and unpredictable result, often in a completely different pitch.

Vice

A more rigorous way of looking at it is to see the 'miracle' as an opportunity for us to make an unreasonable commitment to an unpredictable result.

Huffington Post

Far from being an unpredictable result of the crackdown on use of medical opioids that started in the early 2000s, the rise of street heroin markets where they had never previously existed and the subsequent use of fentanyl to boost potency are classic examples of two widely recognized phenomena in drug-policy history.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Revolutions with unpredictable results were common.

The New York Times

West this season have yielded unpredictable results.

The New York Times

A young team predictably yielded unpredictable results.

The New York Times - Sports

"It definitely can produce unpredictable results," said Clune.

The Guardian - Tech

The challenges and unpredictable results can produce startling images.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unpredictable result" when you want to emphasize that an outcome was genuinely impossible to foresee, not just unlikely. For instance, in scientific experiments or complex systems, this phrase underscores the inherent uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "unpredictable result" when you actually mean an undesirable or negative outcome. While something undesirable might be unexpected, "unpredictable" focuses on the lack of predictability, not the value judgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unpredictable result" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'unpredictable' modifies the noun 'result'. It describes an outcome that is not possible to anticipate or foresee. Ludwig AI identifies that the expression is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unpredictable result" describes an outcome that could not have been foreseen. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, noting its usability in written English. While alternatives like "unexpected outcome" and "unforeseen consequence" exist, "unpredictable result" emphasizes the inherent impossibility of prediction. It is commonly used in News & Media and Science, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts. To avoid confusion, ensure you're highlighting a genuine lack of predictability, not merely a negative outcome. The phrase serves to categorize an outcome and convey uncertainty, making it valuable for describing complex or experimental situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unexpected outcome

Focuses on the surprise element of the result.

unpredicted outcome

A more literal synonym, emphasizing the lack of prediction.

unforeseen consequence

Emphasizes the unanticipated nature of the result as a consequence of something.

chance outcome

Highlights the role of chance or randomness in the result.

random consequence

Emphasizes the lack of pattern or predictability.

unanticipated effect

Focuses on the impact or effect that was not expected.

surprise effect

Focuses on the emotional effect of the unanticipated result.

unexpected development

Suggests an unfolding event that takes an unforeseen turn.

unforeseeable eventuality

Highlights that an event happens that could not have been foreseen.

fortuitous result

Highlights that the result is not only unpredictable, but also happen to be positive.

FAQs

How can I use "unpredictable result" in a sentence?

You can use "unpredictable result" to describe outcomes that could not be foreseen. For example: "The experiment yielded an "unpredictable result", requiring further analysis."

What phrases are similar to "unpredictable result"?

Similar phrases include "unexpected outcome", "unforeseen consequence", and "random consequence".

Is "unpredictable result" formal or informal?

"Unpredictable result" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone and subject matter. It's commonly found in news articles, scientific reports, and general discussions.

When should I use "unpredictable result" instead of "unexpected result"?

Use "unpredictable result" when you wish to emphasize the inherent impossibility of foreseeing the outcome, whereas "unexpected result" simply means the outcome wasn't anticipated. The former suggests a deeper level of uncertainty.