C1adjectiveformalacademicphilosophy
US/ˈɑːr.bə.trer.i/
UK/ˈɑː.bɪ.trər.i/
based on chance or personal choice rather than on a reason, plan or rule
In context
The pass mark of 50 percent seems completely arbitrary.
Students complained about arbitrary changes to the timetable.
Linguists say the link between a word and its meaning is often arbitrary.
Words that go with arbitrary
adjective + noun
- arbitrary decisionThe manager's arbitrary decision upset the whole team.
- arbitrary arrestThe law protects citizens from arbitrary arrest.
- arbitrary rulesTeenagers often rebel against arbitrary rules.
adverb + adjective
- completely arbitraryThe age limit for the scholarship is completely arbitrary.
- somewhat arbitraryAny line between 'rich' and 'poor' is somewhat arbitrary.