Capricious

Characterized by or subject to sudden, unpredictable changes of mood, behavior, or intention; impulsive and whimsical.

A capricious person or thing is erratic and unreliable, often acting on a whim or fleeting fancy without regard for logic or reason.

capricious behavior can be frustrating and difficult to anticipate, making consistent interaction challenging.

It suggests a lack of stability and steadfastness, leading to choices and actions that appear arbitrary or even irrational to others.

The underlying cause can stem from a variety of factors, including personality traits, emotional instability, or simply a desire for novelty and excitement.

Capricious meaning with examples

• The weather in early spring can be incredibly capricious, changing from sunshine to snow within a matter of hours, making it difficult to plan outdoor activities with any certainty.
• Her capricious nature made her a difficult employee; one day she'd be enthusiastic and productive, the next she'd be listless and uncooperative, frustrating her team.
• The artist, known for his capricious approach to painting, would abandon one canvas for another halfway through, never quite settling on a single, consistent style.
• Investing in the stock market can be risky due to its capricious fluctuations, with prices rising and falling unpredictably based on market sentiment and speculative trading.