arbitrariness: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal
Quick answer
What does “arbitrariness” mean?
The quality of being based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The quality of being based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.
The exercise of power or authority without constraint by law or objective standards, often perceived as unfair or unpredictable.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Equally negative in both varieties, associated with capriciousness, unfairness, and lack of principle.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in academic and legal contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “arbitrariness” in a Sentence
the arbitrariness of [noun phrase]accuse [someone/something] of arbitrarinesscomplain about the arbitrarinessVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “arbitrariness” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The manager arbitrated the dispute.
American English
- The union agreed to arbitrate.
adverb
British English
- He was appointed arbitrarily, without consultation.
American English
- The funds were distributed arbitrarily.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Criticised for the arbitrariness of its promotion criteria.
Academic
The study examines the arbitrariness of linguistic signs.
Everyday
People resent the arbitrariness of the new parking fines.
Technical
The algorithm was rejected due to its statistical arbitrariness.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “arbitrariness”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “arbitrariness”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “arbitrariness”
- Misspelling as 'arbitrarity' or 'arbitrariness'.
- Using it to mean 'arbitration'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is almost exclusively negative, describing a lack of reason, fairness, or system.
'Arbitrariness' implies a decision based on personal whim, often by someone in authority, and carries a negative, unfair connotation. 'Randomness' is more neutral, describing a lack of pattern without the implication of an agent making a capricious choice.
Extremely rarely. It might be used positively in very specific artistic contexts to praise freedom from convention, but this is atypical.
It most commonly follows the pattern 'the arbitrariness of + [noun phrase]', as in 'the arbitrariness of the law'.
The quality of being based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.
Arbitrariness is usually formal in register.
Arbitrariness: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɑːbɪtrərinəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɑːrbɪtrerinəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The arbitrariness of fate.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an ARBITRARY decision made by a RULER (like a king) - ARBITRARINESS is the quality of that ruler's NESS (nature).
Conceptual Metaphor
ARBITRARINESS IS TYRANNY (unconstrained power), ARBITRARINESS IS CHAOS (lack of order).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST synonym for 'arbitrariness' in a legal context?