Reading Theme:
Unpredictable Meaning, Usage, and Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：not able to be predicted (unpredictable)
unpredictable
/ˌʌnprɪˈdɪktəbəl/
adj.
Describing things or events that change in a way that is impossible to know before it happens.
not able to be predicted
➕
/nɒt ˈeɪbəl tə biː prɪˈdɪktɪd/
adj.
Describes events or conditions that cannot be forecast or known in advance due to constant, random variation.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
un- (not) + predict (to foretell) + -able (able to be).
💡 Mnemonic
Think: Un + predictable = a chameleon that changes colors without any pattern, impossible to guess.
📖 Example
Mountain weather is famously unpredictable, so hikers must always be prepared for sudden rain or sunshine.
Mountain weather is famously unpredictable, so hikers must always be prepared for sudden rain or sunshine.
🔗 Collocations
unpredictable weather – Weather that changes suddenly and cannot be forecast reliably.
unpredictable outcome – A result that cannot be known or guessed beforehand.
unpredictable nature – The inherent quality of being changeable and uncertain.
🔄 Synonyms
unforeseeable (adj.) – Not able to be anticipated or known in advance.
capricious (adj.) – Subject to sudden, unpredictable changes of mood or behavior.
volatile (adj.) – Liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse.
🚫 Antonyms
predictable (adj.) – Able to be known or forecast in advance.
stable (adj.) – Not likely to change; firm and steady.
certain (adj.) – Known for sure; established beyond doubt.
🌱 Derivatives
unpredictably (adv.) – In a way that cannot be predicted.
unpredictability (n.) – The quality of being impossible to predict.
📖 Cultural Story
From Latin 'praedicere' (to foretell) via Old French 'predict' plus the negative prefix 'un-'. Commonly used in weather forecasting and financial markets.
Meaning 2：having unpredictable moods (unpredictable)
unpredictable
/ˌʌnprɪˈdɪktəbəl/
adj.
Describing a person whose behavior, moods, or reactions can change suddenly and without warning.
having unpredictable moods
➕
/ˈhævɪŋ ˌʌnprɪˈdɪktəbəl muːdz/
adj.
Describes a person whose emotions, reactions, or behavior shift suddenly and without warning.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
My little cousin is so unpredictable; one minute he's laughing and the next he's crying over a dropped toy.
My little cousin is so unpredictable; one minute he's laughing and the next he's crying over a dropped toy.
🔗 Collocations
unpredictable personality – A character that is inconsistent and hard to anticipate.
unpredictable reactions – Responses that vary wildly from one moment to the next.
unpredictable temper – A tendency to become angry without warning.
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
consistent (adj.) – Acting or happening in the same way over time.
steady (adj.) – Firmly fixed; not changing or varying.
reliable (adj.) – Consistently good in quality or performance; able to be trusted.
🌱 Derivatives
unpredictably (adv.) – In a way that cannot be predicted.
unpredictability (n.) – The quality of being impossible to predict.
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser