Main Entry: vi·cis·si·tude

Pronunciation: \və-ˈsi-sə-ˌtüd, vī-, -ˌtyüd\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle French, from Latin vicissitudo, from vicissim in turn, from vicis change, alternation — more at week

Date: circa 1576

1 a : the quality or state of being changeable : mutability b : natural change or mutation visible in nature or in human affairs
2 a : a favorable or unfavorable event or situation that occurs by chance : a fluctuation of state or condition <the vicissitudes of daily life> b : a difficulty or hardship attendant on a way of life, a career, or a course of action and usually beyond one's control c : alternating change : succession