# stochastic

/stoʊˈkæstɪk/ (US) · /stətʃˈɑːstɪk/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stochastic
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

describing something that happens by chance or has a random pattern. You use this when you cannot predict exactly what will happen next, even if you know the general trend.

For teachers: having a random probability distribution or pattern that may be analysed statistically but may not be predicted precisely. Often used in technical contexts to describe processes involving chance.

## Examples

- The stock market often shows stochastic behavior.
- Scientists use stochastic models to predict how a virus might spread through a population where individual movements are random.
- While the overall growth of the forest follows a predictable curve, the survival of any individual sapling is a stochastic process influenced by localized weather and soil conditions.

## Usage notes

- Often appears before nouns like 'process', 'model', or 'variable'.

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