arbitrary

adjective
UK: /ˈɑːbɪtrəri/
US: /ˈɑːrbɪtreri/

  1. Based on chance rather than being planned or based on reason.

    1. The decision to close the store seemed arbitrary to everyone. [ ] [ ]
    2. His mealtimes were entirely arbitrary, depending on what he happened to be doing. [ ] [ ]

  2. Using unlimited personal power without considering others.

    1. The committee has arbitrary power to decide who receives funding. [ ] [ ]
    2. The dictator's arbitrary rule led to widespread discontent among the population. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

despotic random haphazard capricious unreasonable

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "arbitrary" in English means: Based on chance rather than being planned or based on reason., Using unlimited personal power without considering others..

The phonetic transcription of "arbitrary" is /ˈɑːbɪtrəri/ in British English and /ˈɑːrbɪtreri/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "arbitrary": despotic, random, haphazard, capricious, unreasonable.

Example usage of "arbitrary": "The decision to close the store seemed arbitrary to everyone.". More examples on the page.