Some algorithms, such as standard sort and binary search, require the ability to jump directly to an arbitrary element of a container.
adjective /'ɑrbətrɛri/
decided or arranged without any reason or plan, often unfairly
not planned or chosen for a particular reason
not based on reason or evidence
done without concern for what is fair or right
(of an action, a decision, a rule, etc.) not seeming to be based on a reason, system or plan and sometimes seeming unfair
using power without restriction and without considering other people
based on chance rather than being planned or based on reason
using unlimited personal power without considering other people's wishes
not based on any particular plan, or not done for any particular reason
used about actions that are considered to be unfair
If you describe an action, rule, or decision as arbitrary, you think that it is not based on any principle, plan, or system. It often seems unfair because of this.
an arbitrary decision
the arbitrary arrests of political opponents
An arbitrary number has been assigned to each district.
I don't know why I chose that one; it was a completely arbitrary decision.
Although arbitrary arrests are illegal, they continue to occur in many parts of the country.
The choice of players for the team seemed completely arbitrary.
He makes unpredictable, arbitrary decisions.
the arbitrary powers of officials
arbitrary decision-making
What guided your choice of destination or was it arbitrary?
an arbitrary ruler
The company has been the subject of an arbitrary take-over.
an arbitrary decision
The selection of the 100 participants was completely arbitrary.
This is a country where arbitrary arrests are commonplace.
Arbitrary arrests and detention without trial were common.
arbitrariness noun
Court officials were suspected of arbitrariness and personal bias /'baɪəs/.
He is horrified /'hɔrə'fai/by the apparent arbitrariness by which she sets the prices.
arbitrarily adverb
an arbitrarily chosen number
The number was arbitrarily chosen.
The leaders of the groups were chosen arbitrarily.
The political frontiers/frʌn'tɪr/ in Africa were often arbitrarily drawn up by the old colonial/kə'lonɪəl/ powers.
The victims were not chosen arbitrarily.
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