Word
arbitrary
Phoneticsar·bi·trary
US/ˈɑɹbəˌtɹɛɹi/
UK/ˈɑːbɪtɹəɹi/
Definitions
01random or without reason
C1 · Advanced Academic
adj. based on a random choice or a personal whim rather than a logical reason.
adj. determined by individual discretion or chance rather than by any objective necessity or consistent system.
“The choice of players for the team seemed completely arbitrary to the fans.”
“The committee's decision to reject the proposal appeared entirely arbitrary, as they failed to provide any clear criteria for their judgment.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02unfair use of power
C1 · Advanced Law Formal
adj. using power in an unfair way without considering what is right.
adj. describing the exercise of power or authority without restraint and regardless of justice or the law.
“The citizens protested against the arbitrary arrests made by the secret police.”
“The new regulations were criticized as an arbitrary exercise of ministerial power that bypassed the usual parliamentary oversight.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03linguistic convention
C2 · Proficiency Linguistics Technical · Academic
adj. describing how words have no natural connection to the things they represent.
adj. referring to the lack of a natural or intrinsic connection between a linguistic signifier and its meaning.
“The word 'tree' is arbitrary because there is no physical reason why those sounds mean that plant.”
“Saussure argued that the relationship between the signifier and the signified is fundamentally arbitrary, governed only by social convention.”
Synonyms
04mathematical value
C1 · Advanced Mathematics Technical · Academic
adj. representing any value you choose to pick.
adj. referring to a value or constant that is not specifically determined but can be any member of a set.
“Let x be an arbitrary integer in the following equation.”
“The proof holds true for an arbitrary value of n, provided that n is a positive real number.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “arbitrary” in context.
Verb
01. appear arbitrary
“Without a clear rubric, the grading system will appear arbitrary to the students.”
verb + adj
02. remain arbitrary
“The enforcement of the rules should not remain arbitrary if we want to maintain order.”
verb + adj
Adjective
03. arbitrary deadline
“We were forced to finish the project by an arbitrary deadline set by the manager.”
adj + noun
04. arbitrary nature
“Critics pointed out the arbitrary nature of the new tax regulations.”
adj + noun
05. purely arbitrary
“The choice of colors for the logo was purely arbitrary and had no symbolic meaning.”
adv + adj
06. seemingly arbitrary
“The selection process appeared seemingly arbitrary to the frustrated applicants.”
adv + adj
Noun
07. arbitrary distinction
“The law makes an arbitrary distinction between these two types of businesses.”
adj + noun
08. arbitrary exercise of power
“The citizens protested against the arbitrary exercise of power by the local authorities.”
noun + of + noun
Real-World Examples
“This is especially so, given that bosses can decide where their employees work based on fairly arbitrary reasons.” “Historically, scientists have viewed the cosmos as akin to a rock—complex, perhaps even beautiful, but formed through arbitrary events.” “The new US tariffs are “unjustified and arbitrary”, and Brazil will “continue to defend its position in all appropriate forums”, the Brazilian government said in a statement on Thursday.” Etymology
Etymology tree Latin arbiter Proto-Indo-European *-yósder. Proto-Italic *-āsios Latin -ārius Latin arbitrāriusder. Middle English arbitrarie English arbitrary From Middle English arbitrarie, Latin arbitrārius (“arbitrary, uncertain”), from arbiter (“witness, on-looker, listener, judge, overseer”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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