predictable

IPA/prɪˈdɪktəbl/
KK[prɪdˈɪktəbəl]IPA/prɪˈdɪktəbl/

predictable — adjective

  • predictablepositive
  • more predictablecomparative
  • most predictablesuperlative

1. able to be worked out before it happens, because the signs already show what the

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

able to be worked out before it happens, because the signs already show what the result, time, or next step will be.

Example

The bus timetable is predictable, so Nina leaves home at 7:10 each morning.

predictable timetable / timing

Given the dark clouds, it was predictable that the match would stop early.

it is predictable that-clause

Common collocations
  • predictable pattern
  • predictable result
  • predictable timing
  • highly predictable
  • predictable from
Synonyms
  • expected

    common when something seems likely from the situation; less focused on reading clear signs.

  • foreseeable

    more formal and often used for future problems, changes, or legal responsibility.

  • regular

    stresses repeated pattern or timing, not simply the ability to guess in advance.

Antonyms
  • unpredictable

    direct opposite when the result or timing cannot be guessed.

  • uncertain

    weaker opposite, used when the outcome is still unclear.

  • random

    stronger opposite, suggesting there is no clear pattern at all.

Grammar Patterns

it is predictable that ...

be predictable from sth

predictable result / pattern / timing

Usage Note

Often used for events, results, prices, weather, or behaviour when there are signs already in view. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense can be neutral or even useful, while sense 2 usually criticizes something for lacking freshness.

Common Mistakes

I am predictable the weather will change.
I predict the weather will change.
'predictable' is an adjective; use the verb 'predict' before a clause.

2. so expected that it feels dull, with nothing fresh, clever, or surprising about

2.adjectiveB2
Definition

so expected that it feels dull, with nothing fresh, clever, or surprising about it.

Example

The film's ending was predictable, and half the class guessed it early.

predictable ending

Jake gave the same predictable excuse about traffic and a dead phone.

predictable excuse

Common collocations
  • predictable ending
  • predictable excuse
  • predictable answer
  • predictable joke
  • painfully predictable
Synonyms
  • formulaic

    used especially for stories, speeches, and writing that follow a set pattern.

  • cliched

    stronger and more negative, suggesting overused ideas or language.

  • unoriginal

    general word for lacking new ideas.

Antonyms
  • fresh

    suggests a new and lively idea or style.

  • original

    not copied, overused, or too easy to guess.

  • unexpected

    focuses on surprise rather than creative quality.

Grammar Patterns

predictable ending / excuse / answer

be predictable

Usage Note

Usually carries criticism and is common with stories, jokes, answers, excuses, and public behaviour. Distinguish from sense 1: sense 1 only says you can know something beforehand, while this sense adds the idea that the thing is dull or uninteresting.

Common Mistakes

Thank you for your predictable help.
Thank you for your reliable help.
in this sense, 'predictable' sounds negative, suggesting the help feels routine or dull.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

'Predictable' is the everyday word when you can tell in advance what will happen because the signs are clear. 'Foreseeable' is more formal and often appears in writing about problems, risks, or legal duty, as in 'a foreseeable delay'. 'Expected' is broader and lighter: it can simply mean people thought something would happen, even without strong evidence. 'Inevitable' is much stronger than all three, because it says there is no real way for the event to be avoided. So a rainy afternoon after dark clouds may be predictable; a small wait at airport security may be expected; sunrise tomorrow is inevitable. If you are criticizing a movie or joke for being too easy to guess, use sense 2 of 'predictable', not these near-synonyms.

predictable ↗foreseeable ↗expected ↗inevitable ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • predictable behaviour
  • predictable pattern
  • predictable result

Adverbs

  • highly predictable
  • fairly predictable
  • easily predictable

Phrases

  • it is predictable that ...
  • become predictable

Prepositions

  • predictable from (something)

Etymology

LatinEnglish

Built in English from the verb 'predict' and the ending '-able'. The verb comes from Latin roots meaning 'say before': 'prae-' meant 'before' and 'dicere' meant 'to say'. So the basic idea behind 'predictable' is 'able to be said beforehand'.