arbitrariness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arbitrariness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the quality of being based on random choice or personal whim rather than any reason or system. Example: "The arbitrariness of the decision-making process led to confusion among the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

While Burge agrees with Lewis that conventions are arbitrary, he thinks that "the arbitrariness of conventions resides somehow in the 'logic of the situation' rather than in the participants' psychological life" (p. 253).

SEP

But everyone, not just the record breaker, creates these little bubbles of meaning, drawing a line around a tiny portion of the world to make the arbitrariness of life bearable.

The Guardian - Opinion

More important to seed-sector development, these bans signal the arbitrariness and unpredictability of public policy".

The Guardian

Seven out of ten reckoned that judicial arbitrariness was a big problem for their businesses.

The Economist

In the absence of clear criteria on corruption, he will be open to the charge of arbitrariness.

The Economist

Such complaints reinforce concerns about the opacity and arbitrariness of the settlement process, where fines reflect no known economic rationale.But there were also criticisms that the settlements were too small.

The Economist

You're even going to have trouble explaining why kids can't legally vote or drive or get married, and you're going to be upset by the arbitrariness of the ages at which we decide they abruptly can.

The Economist

Given that one of the author's themes is the arbitrariness of lines on a map, that is appropriate.

The Economist

On July 16th a federal judge in California, Cormac Carney, ruled in Jones v Chappell that the machinery of death in the Golden State is so plagued by delays and arbitrariness that it amounts to a "cruel and unusual punishment" in violation of the Eighth Amendment to the federal constitution.

The Economist

Though hailed as a "new breed" of African leader, his path to power was a trail of blood, and he ruled with all the venality, incompetence and arbitrariness of the worst of the old breed.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We have practices of forming modal beliefs involving imagining situations in accord with principles of recombination, non-arbitrariness, and so on (p. 339-40).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, consider providing specific examples that illustrate the "arbitrariness" you are discussing. This helps readers understand the concept in a tangible way.

Common error

Avoid using "arbitrariness" without sufficient context. Ensure the reader understands what is being described as arbitrary and the implications of this quality. Without context, the term can sound accusatory or dismissive without justification.

Linguistic Context

The term "arbitrariness" primarily functions as a noun, denoting the quality or state of being arbitrary. It is commonly used to describe situations, decisions, or rules that appear to be based on random choice or personal whim, rather than on any clear reason or system. As Ludwig AI confirms, it aligns with standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "arbitrariness" is a noun that signifies the quality of being arbitrary, often implying a lack of reason or system. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and sees frequent use across varied contexts. Its use often conveys criticism or concern. It is most commonly encountered in scientific, journalistic, and formal business settings. When using "arbitrariness", clarity and contextualization are crucial. Closely related alternatives include "randomness" and "capriciousness". It's also important to avoid vagueness when using the term to prevent misunderstandings. Based on the frequency and variety of sources, "arbitrariness" is a very common word.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

randomness

Focuses on the lack of a predictable pattern.

capriciousness

Emphasizes the tendency to make sudden and unpredictable changes.

whimsicality

Highlights the element of playfulness and unpredictability in decision-making.

lack of justification

Directly points to the absence of a valid reason or explanation.

unpredictability

Focuses on the inability to foresee or anticipate outcomes.

erraticism

Highlights the inconsistency and irregularity of actions or decisions.

inconsistency

Emphasizes the lack of uniformity or coherence.

subjectivity

Suggests a reliance on personal opinions and feelings rather than objective facts.

discretionary power

Highlights the freedom to make choices based on individual judgment.

unreasonableness

Stresses the lack of sound judgment or logical thinking.

FAQs

How can I use "arbitrariness" in a sentence?

You can use "arbitrariness" to describe something based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system. For instance, "The "arbitrariness of the rules" caused confusion among the players."

What are some synonyms for "arbitrariness"?

Alternatives include "randomness", "capriciousness", and "whimsicality", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "arbitrariness" always negative?

While often used in a negative context to criticize decisions lacking justification, "arbitrariness" can be neutral. It simply describes a lack of necessary determinism. Its connotation depends on the situation.

What is the difference between "arbitrariness" and "subjectivity"?

"Arbitrariness" implies a lack of rational basis or system, whereas "subjectivity" suggests influence by personal feelings or opinions. A decision can be both arbitrary and subjective, but they are distinct concepts.