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

/ ˈveɪɡərɪ; vəˈɡɛərɪ /

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

This figure fluctuates quite a bit from day to day, thanks to the vagaries of how and when cases are reported based on the day of the week.

From Time

Across the planet, humans have built civilization to withstand the vagaries of a 20th century climate.

From Time

Less frequent shopping, ingredient shortages and the vagaries of grocery delivery mean that at some point you probably won’t have the ingredient called for in a particular recipe.

From Washington Post

Eleven inches is the widest tire that’s going to fit, and due to the vagaries of available tire sizes, that also limited our tire height.

From Outside Online

After all, one argument for giving judges a lifetime appointment is to insulate them from the vagaries of politics.

From FiveThirtyEight

Mayo stared after her, wrinkling his forehead for a moment, as if he had discovered some new vagary in femininity to puzzle him.

From Project Gutenberg

Just where it would next sweep the deck between the masts depended on the vagary of wave and wind.

From Project Gutenberg

Yet it is in this very vagary that is discovered the true nature of the intellect.

From Project Gutenberg

Who can tell what vagary or what compromise may not be calling itself Christianity?

From Project Gutenberg

With these words she fell into a vagary; her daughter recalled her from it with a slight movement.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• quirk
• whim