Definition

1. Noun:
   • The quality of lacking any predictable order or plan: The state or characteristic of being random, having no definite aim, pattern, or method.
   • (In thermodynamics) A thermodynamic quantity representing the amount of energy in a system that is no longer available for doing mechanical work: A scientific measure of disorder or unpredictability within a closed system, often associated with the concept of entropy.

Usage Examples

• Noun (General Quality):
  • The randomness of the lottery draw ensures that every ticket has an equal chance.
  • She enjoyed the randomness of exploring the city without a map.
• Noun (Scientific/Technical):
  • The second law of thermodynamics states that the randomness, or entropy, of an isolated system always increases.
  • Scientists measure the randomness in the data to determine its statistical significance.

Advanced Usage

• "Apparent randomness": A lack of order that seems random but may have an underlying, undetected pattern.
  • The apparent randomness of the stock market fluctuations makes prediction very difficult.
• "Inherent randomness": A fundamental unpredictability that is an essential property of a system or process.
  • Quantum mechanics suggests there is an inherent randomness at the subatomic level.

Variants and Related Words

• Random (adj): Made, done, or happening without method or conscious decision.
  • We asked a random selection of people for their opinion.
• Randomly (adv): In a random manner.
  • Names were chosen randomly from a list.
• Entropy (n): A closely related scientific term, often used synonymously with thermodynamic randomness, representing the degree of disorder or uncertainty in a system.

Synonyms

• Haphazardness: Lack of order or planning.
• Unpredictability: Inability to be foreseen or foretold.
• Chance: The occurrence of events in the absence of any obvious design.
• Stochasticity (Technical): Having a random probability distribution or pattern.

Related Phrases

• At random: Without a method or conscious decision.
  • The winner was selected at random from all eligible entries.
• Random sample: A subset of a statistical population in which each member has an equal probability of being chosen.
  • The poll was conducted using a random sample of voters.

Noun

1. the quality of lacking any predictable order or plan
2. (thermodynamics) a thermodynamic quantity representing the amount of energy in a system that is no longer available for doing mechanical work
   • entropy increases as matter and energy in the universe degrade to an ultimate state of inert uniformity