a capricious

USAGE SUMMARY

"a capricious" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone or something that is unpredictable or subject to sudden changes in mood or behavior. Example: "Her capricious nature made it difficult to plan anything with her." Alternative expressions include "fickle" and "whimsical."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's a capricious process.

The Guardian - Books

A capricious tyrant?

The Guardian - Books

History, however, can be a capricious mistress.

Independent

"This law is not a capricious law.

The Economist

It's such a capricious game.

The Guardian - Film

Posterity is a capricious thing.

The Guardian - Books

It's been a capricious month for awards.

The New York Times

She has been a capricious concubine.

The New York Times

This is not a capricious comparison.

The New York Times

"I'm at the whim of a capricious God".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The menu requirements of a capricious Islington four-year-old?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair this phrase with nouns that represent authority or systems, such as 'god', 'market' or 'regime', to emphasize a sense of powerlessness in those affected by them.

Common error

Avoid using "a capricious" as a perfect synonym for 'arbitrary'. While both describe lack of reason, 'capricious' specifically implies a changeability based on mood or whim, whereas 'arbitrary' suggests a decision made simply because one has the power to do so, regardless of mood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a capricious" functions as an adjective phrase consisting of an indefinite article and a qualitative adjective. It is typically used as a pre-modifier for nouns to describe entities characterized by sudden, unaccountable changes of mood or behavior. According to Ludwig, it often precedes nouns like "god", "market", "ruler" or "process", emphasizing a lack of stability or predictability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a capricious" is a sophisticated adjective phrase used to denote unpredictability rooted in whim or impulse. Ludwig’s analysis confirms its widespread use in high-tier publications like The New York Times and The Economist, where it effectively characterizes volatile systems, erratic leadership and unpredictable natural forces. It is grammatically correct and functions as a high-register modifier that adds a layer of literary depth to descriptions of instability. While synonyms like "fickle" or "mercurial" exist, "a capricious" remains the gold standard for describing a specific type of impulse-driven inconsistency. Writers should employ it to highlight the lack of a rational or stable pattern in their subject matter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fickle

Often used specifically for human loyalties, interests or affection rather than abstract systems.

an unpredictable

A more neutral and direct synonym that focuses on the lack of foresight rather than the impulse.

an erratic

Emphasizes a lack of consistency or regularity in movement or behavior.

a whimsical

Suggests a more playful or lighthearted unpredictability compared to the often negative 'capricious'.

a mercurial

Highlights rapid and unpredictable changes in mood, often applied to personalities.

a volatile

Suggests a tendency toward rapid change, often with a hint of danger or instability.

an arbitrary

Focuses on decisions made without regard to reason or system, though not necessarily based on whim.

a temperamental

Describes something that works or behaves unpredictably due to its inherent nature or mood.

a fitful

Describes something occurring in irregular bursts rather than a steady stream.

a wavering

Suggests hesitation or moving between two opinions rather than sudden impulsive changes.

FAQs

What does it mean if someone describes a market as "a capricious" environment?

It means the market is highly unpredictable and subject to sudden, unexplained shifts in value or sentiment. You might also describe it as "a volatile market" or "an unpredictable market".

Is "a capricious" considered a formal expression?

Yes, it is most frequently found in formal writing, journalism and literature. In more casual settings, speakers often prefer "a fickle" or "unpredictable".

Can I use "a capricious" to describe weather?

Absolutely. It is an excellent choice for describing weather that changes suddenly and without warning. A common alternative would be "unpredictable weather" or "changeable weather".

What is the difference between "a capricious" person and a moody person?

While both involve mood changes, "a capricious" person is specifically noted for making impulsive decisions or changing their mind suddenly, whereas a moody person simply experiences shifts in emotion. For a focus on behavior, you might use "an erratic person".