vagaries

Meanings

1. 1nounpluralformal

   Unexpected changes or strange twists in a situation that no one can control or predict.

   Grammar: Almost always used in the plural; the singular 'vagary' exists but is rare.

   Patterns

   • the vagaries of something
   • the vagaries of fate
   • subject to the vagaries of something

   Farmers here have learned to live with the vagaries of the weather.

   The schedule was ruined by the vagaries of the airline's booking system.

   Her memoir describes the vagaries of life as a touring musician.

2. 2nounpluralformalliterary

   Odd or eccentric ideas or actions that seem to come from nowhere.

   Grammar: Used of people's whims as well as of events; still plural in this sense.

   Patterns

   • the vagaries of someone
   • someone's vagaries

   The committee could not keep up with the director's vagaries.

   He tolerated the vagaries of his wealthy aunt with great patience.

Word forms

Common combinations

the vagaries of the weather

Sailors must respect the vagaries of the weather.

the vagaries of fate

No plan survives the vagaries of fate for long.

the vagaries of the market

Small shops suffer most from the vagaries of the market.

subject to the vagaries of

Outdoor weddings are subject to the vagaries of the English summer.

cope with the vagaries of

Good managers cope with the vagaries of staff moods.

Synonyms and how they differ

whims

Whims are sudden personal desires, while vagaries are unpredictable changes in events or behavior.

quirks

Quirks are small odd habits that seem harmless; vagaries are stranger and less controllable.

fluctuations

Fluctuations are rises and falls in numbers; vagaries is broader and more literary.

Opposites

Word family

vagarious adjective

formal and rare: full of odd, unpredictable changes

Commonly confused: vagaries or vagueness? vagaries or vagrant?

Practice

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