Definitions

1. adjective

based on or subject to personal preference or opinion, rather than fact or reason; not based on evidence or clear thinking

“The judge’s decision was arbitrary, and it sparked widespread criticism.”

2. noun

a decision or action made without considering the facts or rules; something that is not based on reason or evidence

“The arbitrary rule had been in place for years, but it was finally challenged in court.”

3. noun

a number or value chosen at random or for a specific purpose

“The arbitrary number was used to determine the order in which the teams would play.”

4. verb

to decide or act arbitrarily

“The manager arbitrarily decided to change the team’s strategy in the middle of the game.”