arbitrary (Meaning)

Wordnet

arbitrary (a)

based on or subject to individual discretion or preference or sometimes impulse or caprice

Webster

arbitrary (a.)

Depending on will or discretion; not governed by any fixed rules; as, an arbitrary decision; an arbitrary punishment.

Exercised according to one's own will or caprice, and therefore conveying a notion of a tendency to abuse the possession of power.

Despotic; absolute in power; bound by no law; harsh and unforbearing; tyrannical; as, an arbitrary prince or government.

arbitrary Sentence Examples

  1. The teacher's decision to assign homework on an arbitrary basis frustrated students.
  2. The company's policy changes seemed arbitrary, leaving employees uncertain about their future.
  3. He made arbitrary choices without considering the consequences.
  4. The dictator ruled the country with arbitrary power, ignoring the will of the people.
  5. The judge's sentencing appeared arbitrary, lacking consistency in similar cases.
  6. The allocation of resources seemed arbitrary, favoring certain departments over others.
  7. She imposed arbitrary deadlines on the project, causing stress among the team members.
  8. The pricing structure felt arbitrary, with no clear rationale behind the cost differences.
  9. The committee's decision-making process was criticized for being arbitrary and opaque.
  10. The landlord's decision to raise the rent seemed arbitrary, given the current economic conditions.

FAQs About the word arbitrary

based on or subject to individual discretion or preference or sometimes impulse or capriceDepending on will or discretion; not governed by any fixed rules; as,

dominant, authoritarian, wilful, unreasonable, inconsistent, dictatorial, unfair,arrogant, peremptory, willful

objective, dispassionate, fair, disinterested, rational, nonpartisan, rational, impartial, reasonable, equitable

The teacher's decision to assign homework on an arbitrary basis frustrated students.

The company's policy changes seemed arbitrary, leaving employees uncertain about their future.

He made arbitrary choices without considering the consequences.

The dictator ruled the country with arbitrary power, ignoring the will of the people.