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

Drahi and his team wouldn’t be the first, or the last, corporate titans to trip and stumble in the vagaries of the art market. —Sam Knight, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025

The annual sales events also shine the light on emerging trends while reflecting any economic vagaries. —Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 20 Aug. 2025

This approach promises major gains in energy efficiency by embracing, rather than resisting, the vagaries of the second law of thermodynamics. —Anil Seth, Big Think, 20 Aug. 2025

Where fans once relied on the vagaries of radio play and magazine spreads to engage with their favorite artists, today’s fans form tightknit communities on social media platforms like TikTok and Discord. —Lindsay A. Fleming, Time, 15 Aug. 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