arbitrary

USAGE SUMMARY

'arbitrary' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use this word to describe something that is chosen without any reason or plan, or to describe something that is done without being fair or reasonable. For example, "The teacher's decision to assign the group project was quite arbitrary; no one knew why she chose that particular assignment."

✓ 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 that the context clearly indicates the lack of rational basis or objective standard being referenced. Provide specific examples to illustrate the arbitrary nature of the decision or action.

Common error

Avoid using "arbitrary" to describe something simply because it is complex or challenging. "Arbitrary" specifically refers to decisions or actions lacking a rational basis, not inherent difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The word "arbitrary" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that is based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system. Ludwig AI confirms this based on its analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

22%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "arbitrary" signifies something determined by chance, whim, or impulse, lacking any apparent reason or system. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in neutral contexts such as news and media, its presence extends to formal business settings and even wikis. While related to concepts like "random" and "discretionary", "arbitrary" carries a distinct connotation of lacking justification. Therefore, it’s important to choose it intentionally to clearly express the absence of rationale behind a decision or action. A key point to remember is that "arbitrary" shouldn’t be mistaken for “difficult”; rather, it emphasizes the absence of logical basis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

random

Emphasizes the lack of pattern or predictability.

discretionary

Highlights the role of individual judgment or choice.

unreasonable

Focuses on the lack of logic or justification.

subjective

Points out the dependence on personal opinion or feeling.

capricious

Implies impulsiveness and unpredictability.

haphazard

Suggests a lack of planning or organization.

unfounded

Highlights the lack of a solid basis or reason.

groundless

Similar to unfounded, emphasizing the absence of supporting evidence.

erratic

Stresses inconsistency and unpredictability.

whimsical

Implies a lighthearted and fanciful approach, often without serious consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "arbitrary" in a sentence?

Use "arbitrary" to describe something based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system. For example, "The selection process seemed completely arbitrary".

What words can I use instead of "arbitrary"?

You can use alternatives like "random", "discretionary", or "unreasonable" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "arbitrary" and "subjective"?

"Arbitrary" implies a lack of any rational basis, while "subjective" indicates something based on personal feelings or opinions. While a subjective decision might have some reasoning behind it, an arbitrary one does not.

Is it better to use "arbitrary" or "random"?

Both words describe a lack of order or predictability, but "arbitrary" often suggests a decision or action made without thought, whereas "random" simply implies the absence of a pattern. The best choice depends on the specific context.