unpredictable

comparative more unpredictable · superlative most unpredictable

1. Unable to be predicted.

   Sharks are not unpredictable; for the most part, they do exactly what an apex predator is expected to do.

   1983, Richard Ellis, The Book of Sharks, Knopf, →ISBN, page 146

   1 more example

   It has, therefore, always been a major problem for South African railways to cater adequately for this unpredictable city; three stations have had to be built on the present site during the last fifty years.

   1958 September 28, C. Alan Cook, “Johannesburg's Fourth Station”, in Railway Magazine, page 639

   Synonyms: nonpredictable, vagabond · Antonyms: predictable

plural unpredictables

1. An unpredictable thing.

   Other unpredictables, like the recent unexpected blizzards and those of 2 years ago, or a hurricane can cost us many thousands of dollars, and have a severe impact on equipment and facilities.

   1960, United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce. Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Motor Vehicle Safety: Hearing..., page 12