Word
capricious
Capricious describes someone or something that changes suddenly and unpredictably.
Meanings
changing suddenly and unpredictably, often in mood or decision
not consistent or dependable; likely to change without warning
Definition
If a person is capricious, their moods, decisions, or behavior change quickly without a clear reason. The word often suggests that these changes are hard for others to understand or rely on. It can describe people, plans, rules, or even the weather when it seems unpredictable.
Examples
- His capricious mood made it hard to plan anything with him.
- The committee’s capricious decisions confused the whole team.
- She gave a capricious answer and changed it a minute later.
- Investors dislike capricious markets that swing without warning.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use capricious to mean “carefree” or “spontaneous,” but it usually implies unreliable, unpredictable changes.
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.