What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lability
Example
The patient's mood lability made it difficult to diagnose their mental health condition. [lability: noun]
Example
The chemical's lability made it dangerous to handle without proper precautions. [lability: noun]
unpredictability
Example
The weather's unpredictability made it hard to plan outdoor activities. [unpredictability: noun]
Example
Her boss's unpredictability made it difficult to know what to expect at work each day. [unpredictability: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unpredictability is more commonly used than lability in everyday language. Unpredictability is a versatile word that can be used in many different contexts, while lability is a more specialized term that is primarily used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lability and unpredictability?
Lability is a more formal word than unpredictability. It is often used in technical or scientific writing, while unpredictability can be used in both formal and informal contexts.