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.

---

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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2024

Few places illustrate the capriciousness of climate change better than the Antarctic Peninsula.

From New York Times • Nov. 8, 2022

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

Related Words

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