Arbitrary: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when decisions or actions seem to be based on personal whim or random choice, rather than any reason or system. Often carries a negative connotation.

• The boss's arbitrary rules frustrated the employees.
• His detention seemed completely arbitrary and unfair.

Suitable when describing someone or something prone to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior. Carries a negative connotation, implying unpredictability and lack of reliability.

• The manager's capricious nature made it hard to predict her decisions.
• Due to the capricious weather, we had to cancel the picnic.

Best used when something lacks a definite plan, purpose, or pattern. Often neutral or positive when describing variety or lack of predictability.

• He picked a book at random from the shelf.
• The winner was chosen through a random drawing.

Appropriate for situations where outcomes or behaviors are impossible to predict due to lack of consistency or certainty. Carries a neutral to slightly negative connotation, emphasizing the difficulty in foreseeing outcomes.

• The stock market is notoriously unpredictable.
• Her behavior has become increasingly unpredictable.

Used when describing someone or something that is playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way. Often positive or neutral, highlighting creativity or peculiarity.

• The artist's whimsical paintings delighted the audience.
• She has a whimsical sense of humor that always makes us laugh.

Used when something is based on random choice or personal whim rather than any reason or system. Often has a negative connotation, implying unfairness or lack of justice.

• The decision to cut funding was entirely arbitrary and not based on the project's success.
• Her reasons for choosing the winner seemed arbitrary and didn't follow the established criteria.

Refers to sudden and unaccountable changes in mood or behavior. Often implies instability and lack of reliability.

• The boss's capricious nature makes it hard to anticipate his reactions.
• Weather in the mountains can be capricious, shifting from sunny to stormy very quickly.

Describes something made, done, happening, or chosen without method or conscious decision. Often implies a lack of order or direction.

• We were assigned seats at random, so I ended up sitting next to a stranger.
• He asked a random question that had nothing to do with the topic at hand.

Used when something is not able to be predicted; it implies uncertainty about what will happen next. It can have either a neutral or negative connotation depending on context.

• The stock market is notoriously unpredictable, making it a risky investment.
• Her unpredictable temper makes her difficult to work with.

Refers to something playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way. Often implies a light-hearted, creative, and fantastical quality.

• The artist's whimsical paintings are full of playful and imaginative scenes.
• She has a whimsical sense of fashion, opting for bright colors and unique accessories.