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 Word Forms

• noncapriciousness noun
• uncapriciousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of capriciousness¹

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

Example Sentences

Despite the capriciousness of Glenn and Rickey’s friendship as they rocket toward Sacramento, Angarano dutifully acknowledges the city’s agreeably slow pace in the film.

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The capriciousness of the fire quickly revealed itself.

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

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

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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.

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Related Words

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