arbitrariness

Definitions

The quality of being based on random choice or personal whim rather than any reason or system.

The absence of a natural or necessary connection between a linguistic form and its meaning.

Examples

The judge criticized the arbitrariness of the new sentencing guidelines.

Linguists often discuss the inherent arbitrariness of the relationship between a word and its meaning.

The policy was widely condemned for the sheer arbitrariness with which it was enforced.

Synonyms

caprice whim randomness unpredictability volatility impulsiveness fickleness

Antonyms

consistency rationality predictability logic order method reasonableness