Basic Details
Word: Unpredictable
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Something that cannot be foreseen or anticipated; it is difficult to know what will happen next.
Synonyms: Erratic, uncertain, volatile
Antonyms: Predictable, certain, stable
Idioms and Phrases
- Like trying to predict the weather: Used to describe situations that are very changeable and hard to forecast. Example: "Talking to him about his plans is like trying to predict the weather; every time, it's something different!"
- Throwing a curveball: Used when unexpected situations arise that cause disruption. Example: "Just when we thought everything was going smoothly, the teacher threw a curveball with a surprise test."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The weather in the mountains can be unpredictable; one moment it's sunny, and the next, a snowstorm can hit.
Example 2: His unpredictable behaviour makes it difficult for his friends to plan activities.
Example 3: The stock market can be quite unpredictable, leading to both gains and losses for investors.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the term "unpredictable" has a Latin origin? It comes from the word "praedicere," which means "to predict," combined with the prefix "un-" meaning "not." So, it literally means "not able to be predicted!"
Famous Quote
"The only certainty is that nothing is certain." Pliny the Elder
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "unpredictable" mean?
a) Easy to understand
b) Difficult to foresee
c) Very reliable
d) Boring
Answer: b) Difficult to foresee
2. Which of these is a synonym of "unpredictable"?
a) Stable
b) Erratic
c) Certain
d) Regular
Answer: b) Erratic
3. What is an antonym of "unpredictable"?
a) Uncertain
b) Predictable
c) Erratic
d) Changeable
Answer: b) Predictable
4. Which sentence uses "unpredictable" correctly?
a) The train was unpredictable; it arrived on time.
b) The unpredictable cat jumped onto the table when least expected.
c) The predictable joke made everyone laugh every time.
d) The predictable exam had the same questions as last year.
Answer: b) The unpredictable cat jumped onto the table when least expected.
5. Which idiom means the same as "unpredictable"?
a) Throwing a curveball
b) As predictable as clockwork
c) Like water off a duck's back
d) As easy as pie
Answer: a) Throwing a curveball
