Word
vagaries
Phoneticsva·garies
US/ˈveɪɡɝiz/
UK/vˈeɪɡəɹˌɪz/
Plural noun
Definition
n. sudden changes that are hard to predict or control, like in weather or people's moods. You use it when things keep shifting for no clear reason.
n. unpredictable and erratic changes or fluctuations in conditions, behaviour, or events. Commonly collocates with 'of', as in 'of the weather' or 'of public opinion'.
Examples
“Farmers worry about the vagaries of the weather.”
“The outdoor wedding planner always has a backup tent because of the vagaries of spring weather.”
“Investors who survived the vagaries of the market learned to stay calm when prices swung wildly for no clear reason.”
Examples
simple
“Farmers worry about the vagaries of the weather.”
contextual
“The outdoor wedding planner always has a backup tent because of the vagaries of spring weather.”
complex
“Investors who survived the vagaries of the market learned to stay calm when prices swung wildly for no clear reason.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “vagaries” in context.
Verb
01. endure vagaries
“Coastal communities have learned to endure vagaries of tide and storm.”
verb + noun
02. guard against vagaries
“Insurers help farmers guard against vagaries of extreme weather.”
verb + prep + noun
03. navigate vagaries
“Investors must navigate vagaries of sentiment and speculation daily.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. climatic vagaries
“The region's agriculture suffers from the climatic vagaries of drought and flood.”
adj + noun
05. cruel vagaries
“The cruel vagaries of war uprooted thousands of families without warning.”
adj + noun
06. economic vagaries
“Small businesses are vulnerable to the economic vagaries of global trade.”
adj + noun
07. unpredictable vagaries
“Farmers must plan for the unpredictable vagaries of rainfall each season.”
adj + noun
08. at the mercy of vagaries
“Outdoor festivals remain at the mercy of vagaries in summer weather.”
09. endure the vagaries of weather
“She learned to endure the vagaries of weather while sailing solo.”
10. guard against vagaries of climate
“New reservoirs guard against vagaries of climate and prolonged drought.”
11. navigate the vagaries of markets
“Analysts help clients navigate the vagaries of markets with caution.”
12. subject to vagaries of fate
“All political careers are subject to vagaries of fate and public mood.”
Usage
Used almost always in the plural; commonly followed by 'of' ('the vagaries of').
Real-World Examples
“The vagaries of weather might make it seem that climate is fickle and prone to abrupt turns.” “Due to the vagaries of international supply chains, it is very common for router manufacturers to substitute certain components in existing devices.” “It was the highlight of those years, the vagaries of Dutch weather permitting, and most of my memories are from there.” “In an industry that is reliant on the fickle vagaries of taste, film festivals exist to establish facts.” Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- 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.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL 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: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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