capriciousness

American  

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

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.

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Other Word Forms

• noncapriciousness noun
• uncapriciousness noun

Etymology

Origin of capriciousness

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

Example Sentences

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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 7, 2024

But “Peter Pan Goes Wrong,” a madcap comedy that had no presence on the Tony Awards, was up even more — 22 percent — serving as a reminder of the capriciousness of grosses.

From New York Times • Jun. 20, 2023

At church Father Mike appeared and disappeared with the capriciousness of a divinity.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

Related Words

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