Arbitrary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Arbitrary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is based on random choice or personal whim rather than any reason or system. Example: "The selection of the winner seemed arbitrary, as there were no clear criteria for judging."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's arbitrary.

The New York Times

As you rise up the financial ladder, the consequences of the financial crisis are increasingly arbitrary.

The Guardian - Opinion

The general formula for finding the area of a triangle is area = ½ × base × height which is also equal to area = ½ × a × b × sin C. The choice of which angle is which in all of these equations is of course completely arbitrary, so feel free to swap around a, b and c at will, as long as you also swap A, B and C to make them fit.

WikiHow

Why can't the child have its own name?" So they came up with an arbitrary surname: Wild.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The results seem to be arbitrary; some are removed, but others are left in place.

The Guardian - Tech

There's an element of the arbitrary about such lists, but this one does feel significant.

The Guardian - Opinion

But responding to the request for a time limit on detention, Javid said a cap was "arbitrary" and could lead detainees to further delay or exploit the system.

The Guardian

They had moved from comfort and familiarity to poverty and disarray within the space of a fortnight (the notice given to those who lived close to either side of the newly drawn, arguably arbitrary border).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Yet one problem that has plagued the eurozone will probably come back to haunt it even with political union: rules based on numbers such as a 60% public debt to GDP ratio seem essentially arbitrary and are legally hard to enforce.

The Guardian - Opinion

I could be persuaded to put a more benevolent interpretation on so much of what you have done, if it weren't for the fact that parallel to the assault on liberty has been your move against Parliament in favour of giving the Executive more arbitrary powers.

The Guardian - Opinion

It has weathered crises in the past, notably in the 1990s when allegations that it used sweatshop labour prompted then-chief executive Phil Knight to declare that the "Nike product has become synonymous with slave wages, forced overtime and arbitrary abuse".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Arbitrary", ensure the context clearly indicates a lack of rationale or objective basis for the action, decision, or value being described.

Common error

Avoid using "Arbitrary" when you mean "Subjective". "Arbitrary" indicates a lack of any system, while "Subjective" indicates a decision based on personal opinion. Actions can be subjective when they depend on an individual's perception but they are arbitrary when the action can't be justified at all.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Arbitrary" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a lack of inherent reason, system, or objective basis. Ludwig AI shows many examples where "arbitrary" describes rules, decisions, or boundaries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "Arbitrary" functions as an adjective, denoting a lack of reason or system, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's commonly used in news and media, as well as in formal business contexts. Ludwig AI indicates the word follows standard grammar rules and is usable in written English. When using "Arbitrary", remember that it implies a complete lack of rationale, differentiating it from similar terms like "subjective" or "random". The word's high frequency and consistent usage across authoritative sources further solidify its status as a reliable and versatile term for indicating a lack of objective basis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Random

Emphasizes the lack of a predictable pattern or method.

Capricious

Highlights the unpredictable and whimsical nature of the decision or action.

Subjective

Indicates a decision based on personal feelings or opinions rather than objective facts.

Discretionary

Points to the freedom to decide according to one's own judgment.

Unfounded

Stresses the lack of a solid basis or justification.

Groundless

Similar to unfounded, emphasizing the lack of support or evidence.

Haphazard

Suggests a lack of planning or organization.

Unreasoned

Highlights the absence of logical thought or justification.

Inconsistent

Implies a lack of uniformity or predictability.

Erratic

Suggests unpredictable and irregular behavior or decisions.

FAQs

How can I use "Arbitrary" in a sentence?

You can use "Arbitrary" to describe decisions, rules, or actions that are not based on any logical system or reason. For example, "The choice of winner seemed arbitrary" or "The rules were enforced in an arbitrary manner".

What's the difference between "Arbitrary" and "random"?

"Arbitrary" implies a lack of reason or system, while "random" specifically means without a pattern. Something can be arbitrary if it's based on a whim, but something random occurs by chance.

What are some synonyms for "Arbitrary"?

Some synonyms for "Arbitrary" include "capricious", "random", "subjective", and "discretionary". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "Arbitrary"?

Use "Arbitrary" when you want to emphasize that something is based on chance, personal whim, or without any clear justification or guiding principle. Be careful not to use it when describing things that are merely unpopular or disagreeable; "Arbitrary" specifically indicates a lack of rationale.