capricious
What does "capricious" mean?
The word "capricious" describes someone or something that is prone to sudden, unpredictable changes in mood, behavior, or direction. Think of a fickle person who changes their mind about their life goals every week, or the shifting, unstable weather patterns during a volatile spring season. It is often used to characterize people who are impulsive or institutions that seem to make decisions without a logical or consistent basis. While it can imply a sense of whimsy, it usually carries a negative connotation of unreliability or instability, suggesting that you cannot count on the subject to remain the same.
"capricious" in conversation
Discussing a difficult boss
I never know what to expect when I walk into his office.
I never know what to expect when I walk into his office.
He’s incredibly capricious; one day he loves your project, the next he wants it scrapped.
He’s incredibly capricious; one day he loves your project, the next he wants it scrapped.
Used to highlight professional unreliability.
Talking about the weather
Are you sure you want to go hiking today?
Are you sure you want to go hiking today?
I’m hesitant. The mountain weather is so capricious this time of year.
I’m hesitant. The mountain weather is so capricious this time of year.
Used to describe environmental unpredictability.
"capricious" in a sentence
The toddler was capricious, laughing one second and crying the next.
The toddler was capricious, laughing one second and crying the next.
Investors are wary of the stock market because of its capricious nature.
Investors are wary of the stock market because of its capricious nature.
The king’s capricious rulings left the entire kingdom in a state of constant anxiety.
The king’s capricious rulings left the entire kingdom in a state of constant anxiety.
