vagary

[vuh-gair-ee, vey-guh-ree]

noun

plural

vagaries 

1. an unpredictable or erratic action, occurrence, course, or instance.

   the vagaries of weather; the vagaries of the economic scene.

2. a whimsical, wild, or unusual idea, desire, or action.

   Synonyms: crotchet, quirk, whim, caprice

vagary

/ vəˈɡɛərɪ, ˈveɪɡərɪ /

noun

1. an erratic or outlandish notion or action; whim

Word History and Origins

Origin of vagary¹

1565–75, in sense “wandering journey”; apparently < Latin vagārī to wander

Word History and Origins

Origin of vagary¹

C16: probably from Latin vagārī to roam; compare Latin vagus _vague

Example Sentences

I also loved their time in the the space portion of the museum because it underlined the vagaries of human history — this is not the first advanced civilization to fall, leaving ruins behind.

From Los Angeles Times

The blends have given Guittard chocolate unique flavor profiles, but it has also served as a hedge against the vagaries of the market.

From Los Angeles Times

But then, the vagaries of baseball set in.

From Los Angeles Times

On an almost daily basis, we learned about the shape of virus evolution, details of disease ecology, and previously unknown vagaries of human pathophysiology.

From Salon

It’s one that accommodates the vagaries of human behavior, leaving punishment aside as a secondary concern.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• quirk 
• whim