English Dictionary
Definition arbitrary in British English
arbitrary
adjective
What are red words?
Around 90% of spoken and written English relies on just 7,500 common words.
These words are highlighted in red and are ranked using a star system.
- One-star words are commonly used
- Two-star words are even more common
- Three-star words are the most frequently used
adjective
What are red words?
Around 90% of spoken and written English relies on just 7,500 common words.These words are highlighted in red and are ranked using a star system.
- One-star words are commonly used
- Two-star words are even more common
- Three-star words are the most frequently used
/ˈɑː(r)bɪtrəri/
1
not based on any particular plan, or not done for any particular reason
Example
an arbitrary decision
Example
The selection of the 100 participants was completely arbitrary.
Synonyms and related words
1.1
used about actions that are considered to be unfair
Example
This is a country where arbitrary arrests are commonplace.
