vagary

noun

va·​ga·​ry ˈvā-gə-rē  və-ˈger-ē 

vā-;

also

ˈva-gə-rē 

plural vagaries

: an erratic, unpredictable, or extravagant manifestation, action, or notion

Did you know?

The Wandering History of Vagary

Let’s say, hypothetically, that two roads diverge in a yellow wood. And (also hypothetically) sorry that you cannot travel both, you opt for the grassy one less traveled by. What makes all the difference is the century in which this scenario plays out. In the 16th century, it could be said that you “made a vagary” by wandering off the beaten path. Today you might be said to lead a vagabond lifestyle. Vagabond can be traced to the Latin verb vagārī, meaning “to wander” or “to roam,” and it’s likely that vagary comes from that same source. Nowadays, however, the noun vagary is mostly used in its plural form to refer to changes that are difficult to predict or control; modern vagaries have less to do with wandering, and more to do with unpredictability, such as what one might encounter down a path that lies in leaves no step has trodden black.

Synonyms

• whim

Choose the Right Synonym for vagary

caprice, whim, vagary, crotchet mean an irrational or unpredictable idea or desire.

caprice stresses lack of apparent motivation and suggests willfulness.

by sheer caprice she quit her job

whim implies a fantastic, capricious turn of mind or inclination.

an odd antique that was bought on a whim

vagary stresses the erratic, irresponsible character of the notion or desire.

he had been prone to strange vagaries

crotchet implies an eccentric opinion or preference.

a serious scientist equally known for his bizarre crotchets

Examples of vagary in a Sentence

the vagaries of a rather eccentric, elderly lady

Recent Examples on the Web

Given the Rockies’ track record — seven consecutive losing seasons and just five playoff appearances in 33 years — and the challenges and vagaries of playing baseball at a mile above sea level, the job of rebuilding the franchise might seem undesirable for many. —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 18 Oct. 2025

Which means the vagaries of late October are pretty familiar for this franchise and the bulk of these players. —Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025

Or at least have the option of several lives other than their own not being governed by the vagaries of the football industry? —Nick Miller, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025

Owning and running the restaurant also meant caring for the vast, aging Foster’s collection while managing the vagaries of heat, cold, humidity and stovetop. —Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

perhaps borrowed from Latin vagārī "to wander, roam" — more at vagabond entry 2

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

vagary

noun

va·​ga·​ry ˈvā-gə-rē  və-ˈge(ə)r-ē  -ˈga(ə)r- 

plural vagaries

: an odd or unpredictable idea or happening