predictable

adjective

pre·​dict·​able pri-ˈdik-tə-bəl 

1

: capable of being predicted : able to be known, seen, or declared in advance

a predictable reaction/outcome

a very predictable plot

changes occurring at a steady and predictable rate

2

: behaving in a way that is expected

I knew he would say that. He's so predictable.

predictability

pri-ˌdik-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

By comparing the projections, meteorologists can get a measure of the weather's predictability: The less agreement among the forecasts, the less predictable the weather.

—Richard Monastersky

Examples of predictable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead, think of your raise as a predictable increase in income and be intentional about its allocation. —Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025

Tottenham are one of the least predictable teams around, instead reliant on individual brilliance and perfect execution of patterns to escape the press. —Mark Carey, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025

There are a few ways to make the formula more manageable: Drink from a favorite cup or mug. Follow a schedule for a predictable time to drink the formula each day. —Patty Weasler, Rn, Bsn, Verywell Health, 16 Jan. 2025

The playbook is predictable: Antis start off at the Commission level. —Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 16 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined at sense 1