vagary Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an unexpected and inexplicable change in something (in a situation or a person's behavior, etc.)
    • the vagaries of the weather
    • his wealth fluctuates with the vagaries of the stock market
    • he has dealt with human vagaries for many years

WordNet

Va*ga"ry noun
Etymology
L. vagari to stroll about. See Vague.
Wordforms
plural Vagaries
Definitions
  1. A wandering or strolling. Obs.
  2. Hence, a wandering of the thoughts; a wild or fanciful freak; a whim; a whimsical purpose. "The vagaries of a child." Spectator.
    They changed their minds, Flew off, and into strange vagaries fell. Milton.

Webster 1913