If you describe an action, rule, or decision as arbitrary, you think that it is not based on any principle, plan, or system. It often seems unfair because of this.
[disapproval]
Arbitrary arrests and detention without trial were common.
arbitrarily (ɑːʳbɪtreərɪli)adverb [ADVERB with verb]
The victims were not chosen arbitrarily.
arbitrariness (ɑːʳbɪtrərinəs, US -trer-)uncountable noun
He is horrified by the apparent arbitrariness by which she sets the prices.
Synonyms: dictatorialness, tyranny, despotism, dogmatism More Synonyms of arbitrary
Synonyms: randomness, inconsistency, subjectivity, wilfulness More Synonyms of arbitrary
More Synonyms of arbitrary
arbitrary in British English
(ˈɑːbɪtrərɪ)
adjective
1.
founded on or subject to personal whims, prejudices, etc; capricious
2.
having only relative application or relevance; not absolute
3.
(of a government, ruler, etc) despotic or dictatorial
4. mathematics
not representing any specific value
an arbitrary constant
5. law
(esp of a penalty or punishment) not laid down by statute; within the court's discretion
Derived forms
arbitrarily (ˈarbitrarily)
adverb
arbitrariness (ˈarbitrariness)
noun
Word origin
C15: from Latin arbitrārius arranged through arbitration, uncertain
arbitrary in American English
(ˈɑrbəˌtrɛri)
adjective
1.
not fixed by rules, but left to one's judgment or choice; discretionary
arbitrary decision, arbitrary judgment
2.
based on one's preference, notion, whim, etc.; capricious
young children and their arbitrary rules for games
3.
absolute; despotic
SIMILAR WORDS: ˌdictaˈtorial
Derived forms
arbitrarily (ˈarbiˌtrarily)
adverb
arbitrariness (ˈarbiˌtrariness)
noun
Word origin
L arbitrarius < arbiter, arbiter
Examples of 'arbitrary' in a sentence
arbitrary
These days arbitrary power has unmistakably comic undertones.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
It makes what appear to be arbitrary choices between alternative possibilities.
Dyson, Freeman Infinite in All Directions (1989)
To single out a handful seems rather arbitrary.
Christianity Today (2000)
It is a test case for the supremacy of law over arbitrary power.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Earnings may also be biased by inflation and a long list of arbitrary accounting choices.
Charles A. D'Ambrosio & Stewart D. Hodges & Richard Brealey & Stewart Myers Principles of Corporate Finance (1991)
The subject matter overlaps to a degree that makes the chapters seem arbitrary.
The Times Literary Supplement (2013)
It also tended to limit the exercise of arbitrary power by the emperor himself.
Stearns, Peter N. World History: Patterns of Change and Continuity (1995)
It seemed to be arbitrary and unsatisfactory.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
But if implemented it would have represented a dangerous exercise in arbitrary power.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
It can also seem a little arbitrary.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
In fact the selection seems more arbitrary than this.
The Times Literary Supplement (2012)
Despite the rather arbitrary nature of the latter requirement, it makes perfect sense.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Such choices are quite arbitrary, and cannot be the basis of a serious definition of language.
Salkie, Raphael The Chomsky Update - Linguistics and Politics (1990)
Under this political arrangement people gain a great deal of protection from the arbitrary exercise of power that is so common in agrarian societies.
Sanderson, Stephen K. Macrosociology: An Introduction to Human Societies (1995)
It meant legal rationality and efficiency, both of which were modern improvements on the arbitrary exercise of power.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
They disciplined and discharged employees as they saw fit, with employees enjoying few protections from arbitrary and capricious treatment.
Tompkins, Jonathan Human Resource Management in Government (1995)
And I should loathe for us to founder on so capricious and arbitrary a matter as a technical glitch.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The retrospective and, in some cases, arbitrary nature of the tax has been deeply resented.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Not only are the distinctions we draw between male nature and female nature largely arbitrary and often pure superstition: they are completely beside the point.
Bachmann, Susan (editor) & Barth, Melinda Between Worlds: A Reader, Rhetoric and Handbook (1995)
For an academic all-rounder, medicine was an almost arbitrary choice.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
When punishment comes - such is the arbitrary nature of things - it is often for the wrong offence.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
In other languages
arbitrary
British English: arbitrary ADJECTIVE
If you describe an action, rule, or decision as arbitrary, you think that it is not based on any principle, plan, or system.
Arbitrary arrests and detention without trial were common.
American English: arbitrary
Brazilian Portuguese: arbitrário
Chinese: 随意的
European Spanish: arbitrario
French: arbitraire
German: willkürlich
Italian: arbitrario
Japanese: 恣意的な
Korean: 임의의
European Portuguese: arbitrário
Latin American Spanish: arbitrario
Chinese translation of 'arbitrary'
arbitrary
(ˈɑːbɪtrərɪ)
adj
(= random)[attack, decision]任意的 (rènyì de)
1 (adjective)
Definition
not done according to any plan or for any particular reason
Arbitrary arrests were common.
Synonyms
random
The order of events seemed totally random.
chance
optional
subjective
unreasonable
inconsistent
You are inconsistent and unpredictable.
erratic
the erratic nature of our recent weather
discretionary
They were given wider discretionary powers.
personal
fanciful
fanciful ideas about Martian life
wilful
whimsical
capricious
capricious mood swings
Opposites
reasoned
,
sound
,
objective
,
reasonable
,
sensible
,
consistent
,
rational
,
logical
,
judicious
2 (adjective)
Definition
without consideration for the wishes of others
the arbitrary power of the autocratic state
Synonyms
dictatorial
He suspended the constitution and assumed dictatorial powers.
absolute
the doctrine of absolute monarchy
unlimited
uncontrolled
autocratic
They have grown intolerant of his autocratic ways.
dogmatic
His dogmatic style deflects opposition.
imperious
She gave him a witheringly imperious look.
domineering
They are not domineering parents.
unrestrained
There was unrestrained joy on the faces of the people.
overbearing
an arrogant and overbearing man
tyrannical
Tyrannical dictators rarely last for long.
summary
The four women were acquitted after a summary trial.
magisterial
despotic
The country was ruled by a despotic tyrant.
high-handed
He wants to be seen as less bossy and high-handed.
peremptory
He treated his colleagues in a peremptory manner.
tyrannous
Additional synonyms
in the sense of absolute
the doctrine of absolute monarchy
Synonyms
autocratic,
supreme,
unlimited,
autonomous,
arbitrary,
dictatorial,
all-powerful,
imperious,
domineering,
tyrannical,
despotic,
absolutist,
tyrannous,
autarchical
in the sense of autocratic
They have grown intolerant of his autocratic ways.
Synonyms
dictatorial,
absolute,
unlimited,
all-powerful,
imperious,
domineering,
tyrannical,
despotic,
tyrannous
in the sense of capricious
Definition
having a tendency to sudden unpredictable changes of attitude or behaviour