vagary

[vuh-gair-ee, vey-guh-ree]

noun

plural

vagaries 

1. an unpredictable or erratic action, occurrence, course, or instance.

   the vagaries of weather; the vagaries of the economic scene.

2. a whimsical, wild, or unusual idea, desire, or action.

   Synonyms: crotchet, quirk, whim, caprice

vagary

/ vəˈɡɛərɪ, ˈveɪɡərɪ /

noun

1. an erratic or outlandish notion or action; whim

Word History and Origins

Origin of vagary¹

1565–75, in sense “wandering journey”; apparently < Latin vagārī to wander

Word History and Origins

Origin of vagary¹

C16: probably from Latin vagārī to roam; compare Latin vagus _vague

Example Sentences

Isabella Dalla Ragione hunts in abandoned gardens and orchards for forgotten fruits, preserving Italy's agricultural heritage and saving varieties which could help farmers withstand the vagaries of a changing climate.

Read more on Barron's

But you will also have to deal with other uncertainties, including the vagaries of the market.

Read more on MarketWatch

But many older buyers are relatively insulated from the vagaries of the economy.

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Other differences pop up thanks to the vagaries of data.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The vagaries of the new league system last season saw Liverpool meet eventual winners PSG in the last 16, where they lost on penalties at Anfield.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• quirk 
• whim