capriciousness

[ kuh-prish-uhs-nis, -pree-shuhs- ]

noun

1. the quality of being led by or subject to sudden, odd notions or changes; arbitrary or erratic character:

   Some countries have gone to great lengths to build up a war chest of reserves to insure against the capriciousness of foreign investors.

Other Words From

• non·ca·pri·cious·ness noun
• un·ca·pri·cious·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of capriciousness¹

First recorded in 1600–10; capricious ( def ) + -ness ( def )

Example Sentences

Kettle’s neighborhood demonstrates the capriciousness of the fire, which had destroyed at least two dozen homes by noon Thursday.

From Los Angeles Times

Winslet somehow makes whole a character whose hallmark is her capriciousness, as, under successive influences or inspirations, she adopts one persona after another.

From Los Angeles Times

The stakes in Ukraine could hardly be higher, which makes the capriciousness of Republicans — including many who style themselves as diehard supporters — all the more objectionable.

From Los Angeles Times

Struggle — to protect loved ones, to navigate a warming planet, to escape strife and oppression, to survive nature’s capriciousness.

From Seattle Times

Few who work in immigration law are surprised by the story; the capriciousness of America’s broken immigration system seems to be the rule, not the exception.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• anxiety
• fluctuation
• insecurity
• uncertainty
• volatility
• vulnerability
• weakness