stochastic

American  

[stuh-kas-tik] / stəˈkæs tɪk /

adjective

Statistics.

1. of or relating to a process involving a randomly determined sequence of observations each of which is considered as a sample of one element from a probability distribution.

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stochastic British  

/ stɒˈkæstɪk /

adjective

1. statistics

   1. (of a random variable) having a probability distribution, usually with finite variance

   2. (of a process) involving a random variable the successive values of which are not independent

   3. (of a matrix) square with non-negative elements that add to unity in each row

2. rare involving conjecture

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stochastic Scientific  

/ stō-kăs′tĭk /

1. Involving or containing a random variable or variables.

2. Involving chance or probability.

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Other Word Forms

• stochastically adverb

Etymology

Origin of stochastic

1655–65; < Greek stochastikós, equivalent to stochas- (variant stem of stocházesthai to aim at) + -tikos -tic

Example Sentences

This flexibility makes it useful not just for studying quantum gravity, but also for investigating stochastic gravitational waves, possible dark matter signals, and certain types of experimental noise.

From Science Daily • Apr. 6, 2026

Like other group behaviors, traffic exhibits statistical and stochastic patterns, with variations summed over vast regularity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026

But I think that, in a world of vigilantism and stochastic terror, it is not just bad for speech qua speech, but for governance qua governance.

From Slate • Sep. 12, 2025

“Each population is small and highly susceptible to stochastic events, especially wildfire,” notes a five-year status review for the frogs released last month by the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 15, 2024

However, economics has some purely stochastic models of itself too.

From Definition & Reality in the General Theory of Political Economy by Colignatus, Thomas

Related Words

• debatable
• imaginary
• problematic
• speculative
• theoretical
• vague