vagary

[ vuh-gair-ee, vey-guh-ree ]

noun

, plural va·gar·ies.

1. an unpredictable or erratic action, occurrence, course, or instance:

   the vagaries of weather; the vagaries of the economic scene.

2. a whimsical, wild, or unusual idea, desire, or action.

   Synonyms: crotchet, quirk, whim, caprice

vagary

/ vəˈɡɛərɪ; ˈveɪɡərɪ /

noun

1. an erratic or outlandish notion or action; whim

Word History and Origins

Origin of vagary¹

1565–75, in sense “wandering journey”; apparently < Latin vagārī to wander

Word History and Origins

Origin of vagary¹

C16: probably from Latin vagārī to roam; compare Latin vagus vague

Example Sentences

Every vagary increases the risk that an artillery round fired over here sends missiles flying over there and detonates a bigger blowup.

From Seattle Times

But the senators say a vagary in the way the law is written means they can seek another term, Oregon Public Broadcasting reported.

From Seattle Times

Still, the fact that the weird home exercise equipment corporation—er, sorry, media company—is one of the most potentially lucrative platforms for musicians is yet another bizarre vagary of the modern music industry.

From Slate

I’d attributed this to my own mental perversity, some degenerate vagary of thought, a projection of my own desire—because he was her brother, and they did look an awful lot alike, and the thought of them together brought, along with the predictable twinges of envy, scruple, surprise, another very much sharper one of excitement.

From Literature

Eulabee’s own attention moves with lifelike vagary, dilating on anxieties and anticipation.

From New York Times

Related Words

• quirk
• whim