Vagary: meaning, definitions and examples

Unexpected and inexplicable changes in behavior or situation. Often used to describe unpredictable actions or occurrences.

• The vagaries of the weather can make planning outdoor events difficult.
• His career was influenced by the vagaries of the fashion industry.

A sudden desire or change of mind, especially one that is unusual or unexplained.

• On a whim, they decided to go on a road trip without any planning.
• She bought the beautiful dress on a whim, without checking the price.

Sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior, often suggesting a lack of reason behind the change.

• Her decisions were often driven by caprice rather than careful planning.
• He was a man of caprice, changing his mind frequently on a whim.

A peculiar behavioral trait or idiosyncrasy. Often viewed as odd but not necessarily negative.

• His quirk of always wearing mismatched socks made him easy to spot.
• The professor's quirk of talking to himself made his lectures memorable.

Playful or fanciful behavior or humor, often characterized by imaginations and capricious ideas.

• The artist's work is filled with whimsy and light-hearted creativity.
• Her sense of whimsy made every day feel like an adventure.

Lack of consistency, constancy, or stability; erratic changeableness. Often describes a person's unreliable nature, usually in a negative light.

• The customer's fickleness made it challenging to forecast sales.
• Her fickleness in relationships left many of her partners disheartened.