Randomness: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to the lack of pattern or predictability in events, often in scientific or mathematical contexts.

• The randomness of the data makes it difficult to draw any conclusions.
• Randomness is a key aspect in quantum mechanics.

Appropriate for describing situations or behaviors that cannot be accurately predicted, often used in characterizing dynamic systems or human behavior.

• The unpredictability of the weather makes planning outdoor events challenging.
• Her unpredictability made it hard to work with her.

Suited to situations involving probability, luck, or fortune, often when discussing opportunities or risks.

• There’s a good chance we’ll find parking near the venue.
• Winning the lottery is a game of chance.

Best used when discussing situations where there is doubt or a lack of sureness, often in decision-making or forecasting.

• The uncertainty about future regulations is affecting market investments.
• There was a lot of uncertainty about whether the event would happen.

Used to describe situations or events that lack any predictable pattern or order.

• The randomness of lottery numbers makes it impossible to predict the winner.
• The artist's work often incorporated elements of randomness.

Refers to behavior or actions that are unpredictable and subject to sudden changes, often without rationale.

• The capriciousness of the weather made it difficult to plan outdoor activities.
• Her decisions were often marked by capriciousness, frustrating her friends and colleagues.

Indicates playfulness or a sense of fun, often associated with spontaneous or fanciful behavior.

• The child's room was decorated with a touch of whimsy, featuring fairy-tale characters and bright colors.
• The book captured the whimsy of childhood with its imaginative stories.

Describes the quality of being subject to different outcomes, changes, or variations.

• The variability in test results made it difficult to draw a clear conclusion.
• Farmers are concerned about the variability in rainfall each year.