randomness

noun

ran·​dom·​ness ˈran-dəm-nəs How to pronounce randomness (audio)
: the quality or state of being or seeming random (as in lacking or seeming to lack a definite plan, purpose, or pattern)
… the metaphor of a coin flip for randomness remains unquestioned. We use coin tosses to settle disputes and decide outcomes because we believe they are unbiased, with 50-50 odds. Yet recent research into coin flips has discovered that the laws of mechanics determine the outcome of coin tosses …David E. Adler
the randomness of life

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web There’s also an element of randomness to when an earthquake happens, which can sometimes occur without any warning signs, the experts added. Pranshu Verma, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2023 There’s also an element of randomness to when an earthquake happens, which can sometimes occur without any warning signs, the experts added. Pranshu Verma, Anchorage Daily News, 7 Feb. 2023 When lots of events occur at the same time, our minds attempt to put the jumble in an order based on reason rather than randomness. Richard Malena, Popular Mechanics, 26 Dec. 2022 That message has been harder to maintain as citizens became frustrated with the duration of this policy and its randomness. Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 30 Nov. 2022 But the vibrant randomness here still provides a surprising peek into a familiar world. Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 25 Nov. 2022 The current uncertain financial climate adds another element of randomness to the equation. Tony Blengino, Forbes, 15 June 2022 There are some meteorological explanations for the warmer weather, and some randomness to it, experts said. Meagan Ellsworth, Chron, 24 Dec. 2021 There is still a lot of randomness to where the worst outbreaks occur. Alexis C. Madrigal, The Atlantic, 15 Aug. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'randomness.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of randomness was in 1803

Dictionary Entries Near randomness

Cite this Entry

“Randomness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/randomness. Accessed 20 Mar. 2023.

More from Merriam-Webster on randomness

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