unpredictable schedule

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unpredictable schedule" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a timetable or plan that is subject to change and cannot be easily anticipated. Example: "Due to the unpredictable schedule of the project, we need to remain flexible with our deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

I am a cardiologist, also with a "consuming and unpredictable" schedule.

The New York Times

But enforcement inspections on an unpredictable schedule reduced availability an additional 19 percentage points.

Yale University

Lula, short and plain, operated on an unpredictable schedule, liked to have fun, and would rather hug than hector.

The New Yorker

By seventh grade, he was appearing on Broadway as a boy soprano, and was a student at the Professional Children's School, in Manhattan, an institution that allows for the unpredictable schedule of a child performer.

The New Yorker

JUDY LEVY had no children when she first opened a practice in obstetrics and gynecology, but as she started her family, the disruptions of calls in the middle of the night and an unpredictable schedule began to take their toll.

The New York Times

The hospital's top executives have demanded that nurses pay more for healthcare, with some nurses being asked to pay as much as $600 out of pocket, a reduction in paid sick time and more unpredictable schedule that would make family life tough.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

In their defense, waiters work unpredictable schedules for inconsistent money.

The New York Times

The company produces television shows with sometimes unpredictable schedules and changing needs.

The New York Times

There is some understanding among lawmakers that unpredictable schedules are a significant labor issue that requires policy changes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Walmart has often been accused by working mothers that the unpredictable schedules and low wages hurt their lives.

Harvard Business Review

Not surprisingly, I found that unpredictable schedules, short shifts, and dead-end jobs take a toll on employees' morale.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of an "unpredictable schedule" on individuals, be specific about the consequences, such as difficulty in planning childcare, managing personal finances, or maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Common error

Avoid using "unpredictable schedule" when you actually mean a "flexible schedule". Unpredictability implies a lack of control and difficulty in planning, while flexibility suggests adaptability and choice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unpredictable schedule" functions as a noun phrase, where "unpredictable" is an adjective modifying the noun "schedule". It typically describes a timetable or work arrangement that is subject to change and cannot be easily foreseen. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unpredictable schedule" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a timetable that is subject to frequent changes and difficult to anticipate. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academia, and business. While often used interchangeably with terms like "variable schedule" or "erratic work hours", it is important to distinguish it from a "flexible schedule", as the former emphasizes a lack of control while the latter suggests adaptability. Recognizing the negative impacts associated with unpredictable work arrangements is crucial in discussions related to labor practices and employee well-being.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

erratic work hours

Focuses on the irregular nature of working hours, emphasizing inconsistency.

irregular timetable

Highlights the lack of a fixed pattern in the schedule.

sporadic shifts

Emphasizes the occasional and inconsistent nature of work shifts.

variable work schedule

Highlights the changing nature of the work schedule, focusing on its lack of uniformity.

inconsistent routine

Shifts the focus to the lack of a stable or regular daily pattern.

unstable work plan

Underscores the precarious and unreliable nature of the work arrangement.

flexible schedule

Emphasizes the adaptability of the schedule, though unpredictability may still be implied.

fluid work arrangements

Highlights the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the work schedule.

unfixed hours

Focuses on the lack of a set or determined time for work.

unforeseeable commitments

Emphasizes the inability to predict or anticipate scheduled obligations.

FAQs

How can I describe the negative impacts of an "unpredictable schedule"?

An "unpredictable schedule" can lead to challenges in securing stable childcare, managing personal finances effectively, and maintaining consistent work-life balance. Describing these specific consequences helps to illustrate the difficulties posed by such schedules.

What are some alternatives to saying "unpredictable schedule"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "variable schedule", "erratic work hours", or "irregular timetable".

How does an "unpredictable schedule" differ from a "flexible schedule"?

An "unpredictable schedule" implies a lack of control over one's working hours, leading to difficulties in planning and stability. A "flexible schedule", on the other hand, suggests adaptability and choice in managing work hours, although it might not necessarily be predictable.

In what industries are "unpredictable schedules" most common?

"Unpredictable schedules" are frequently observed in retail, hospitality, and service industries, where staffing needs can fluctuate based on demand. These schedules often impact hourly workers and those in part-time positions.