capriciousness

American

[kuh-prish-uhs-nis, -pree-shuhs-] / kəˈprɪʃ əs nɪs, -ˈpri ʃəs- /

noun

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

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of capriciousness

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They include the rule of law and a lack of regulatory capriciousness in the U.S.

From Barron's • Jan. 7, 2026

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.

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2025

The capriciousness of the fire quickly revealed itself.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2025

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

From Seattle Times • Nov. 30, 2023

Strangely enough, I very nearly caught the essence of teenage capriciousness as I played the role.

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023