arbitrary.

1. Based on a choice or rule that lacks a clear, consistent justification.

2. Chosen without requiring a particular value, provided that specified conditions are met.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• arbitrary distinction
• arbitrary decision

On the page

The cut-off date seemed arbitrary to the applicants.

Usage notes

Primary category: literary / elevated general. Forms: Comparative more arbitrary; superlative most arbitrary when comparison is meaningful. Legacy lexical fields mirror sense 1 only. Use numbered sense fields for all meanings. Established modern English lexical item. No separate regional spelling or grammatical inflection entry. Commonness: moderately common.