WordGarden.ioarbitrariness
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈɑːbɪtrərinəs/
US
- /ˈɑrbəˌtrɛrinəs/
Meanings
Noun
the quality of being based on whim, chance, or no consistent rule
in linguistics or semiotics, the lack of a natural connection between a sign and its meaning
Beyond the definition
Imagine choosing a color for your bedroom wall. You could pick blue because it's calming, or red because it's energetic… or you could just randomly point at a paint chip and say "That one!" That random choice highlights arbitrariness—the quality of being based on whim or chance rather than logic or necessity.
Arbitrariness isn't necessarily bad! It can be freeing, like choosing an outfit simply because you feel like it. But it also implies a lack of clear justification. A rule chosen arbitrarily might seem unfair—not because it's random, but because there's no good reason for that rule instead of another. Think of drawing names out of a hat—the result is perfectly arbitrary, with no inherent reason for one name being selected over another.
Arbitrariness refers to the quality of something being decided by personal discretion, whim, or even chance, rather than by a principled reason, logical necessity, or objective standard. It describes situations where there's no inherent reason why something is the way it is; it could easily have been otherwise, and the choice doesn't follow from the nature of the thing itself.
This concept shows up in many areas of life. In language, the connection between a word and what it represents is often arbitrary. There's no logical reason why we call a cat "cat"—it could have been called anything! This is a key idea explored by linguist Ferdinand de Saussure.
Arbitrariness can also describe decisions or actions that seem illogical or unfair. A boss who promotes employees based on their favorite color demonstrates arbitrariness. A legal system where punishments are handed down randomly would be considered arbitrary and unjust.
However, arbitrariness isn't always negative. Sometimes embracing randomness can lead to creativity and innovation. Artists might use arbitrary techniques to break free from convention, and scientists sometimes rely on random sampling in their research.
Ultimately, understanding arbitrariness means recognizing that not everything has a clear or justifiable reason behind it—and learning to navigate situations where personal choice, convention, or chance plays a significant role. It's the opposite of being grounded in a clear principle, and it often highlights the subjective (or conventional) nature of our world.
Examples
- 1
Grading
Students complained about the arbitrariness of the grading system.
- 2
Rule enforcement
What bothered her most was the arbitrariness with which the new rules were enforced.
- Patternthe arbitrariness with which + action
the unfair, inconsistent way it was done
- 3
Hiring decisions
The report argues that clear guidelines would reduce arbitrariness in hiring decisions.
- 4
Government power
For many people, the case became a symbol of government arbitrariness.
See also
Similar
- randomness
- capriciousness
- haphazardness
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- the arbitrariness of
- accusations of arbitrariness
- apparent arbitrariness
Word family
Explore
- discretion
- due process
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- arbitrarinessnoun