Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Based on personal choice or random chance, not on reason or a system: Describes decisions, rules, or actions made without a logical or fair basis, often based on personal whim, impulse, or unchecked power.
   • Unrestrained, autocratic: Describes the exercise of power or authority in a way that is not limited by laws or rules, often oppressively.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The manager's decision was completely arbitrary and seemed unfair to the staff.
  • The dictator ruled by arbitrary decree, with no regard for the people's wishes.
  • The test had an arbitrary time limit that didn't relate to its difficulty.
  • We chose an arbitrary starting point on the map.

Advanced Usage

• "arbitrary and capricious": A formal or legal phrase describing an action or decision that is unpredictable, unreasonable, and based on personal whim.

  • The court ruled that the policy was arbitrary and capricious and therefore invalid.

• In mathematics and computing: Used to describe a value, variable, or selection that is not fixed or determined by necessity but can be chosen freely within certain constraints.

  • Let x be an arbitrary integer greater than zero.

Variants and Related Words

• Arbitrarily (adverb): In an arbitrary manner.

  • The funds were allocated arbitrarily, without a clear plan.

• Arbitrariness (noun): The quality or state of being arbitrary.

  • The arbitrariness of the punishment caused widespread anger.

Synonyms

• Capricious: Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.
• Whimsical: Playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way (can be less negative than "arbitrary").
• Autocratic: Relating to a ruler who has absolute power.
• Discretionary: Available for use at the discretion of the user (neutral, whereas "arbitrary" is often negative).

Antonyms

• Rational: Based on or in accordance with reason or logic.
• Systematic: Done or acting according to a fixed plan or system; methodical.
• Fair: In accordance with the rules or standards; legitimate.
• Reasoned: Based on logic or good sense.

Related Phrases

• Arbitrary power: Power that is used without constraint by law or fairness.

  • The king wielded arbitrary power over his subjects.

• At arbitrary intervals: Occurring at irregular, randomly chosen times.

  • The machine beeped at arbitrary intervals.

Adjective

1. based on or subject to individual discretion or preference or sometimes impulse or caprice
   • an arbitrary decision
   • the arbitrary rule of a dictator
   • an arbitrary penalty
   • of arbitrary size and shape
   • an arbitrary choice
   • arbitrary division of the group into halves