What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mercurial
Example
She has a mercurial personality, one moment she's happy and the next she's angry. [mercurial: adjective]
Example
The stock market can be mercurial, with prices fluctuating rapidly. [mercurial: adjective]
unpredictable
Example
The weather is unpredictable, it could rain or be sunny at any moment. [unpredictable: adjective]
Example
He's an unpredictable boss, you never know how he'll react to a situation. [unpredictable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unpredictable is more commonly used than mercurial in everyday language. Unpredictable is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while mercurial is less common and may be considered more formal or literary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mercurial and unpredictable?
Mercurial is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, while unpredictable is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
