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randomness
This term conveys a sense of unpredictability and a lack of discernible order. In everyday conversation, it often carries a connotation of chaos or absurdity, describing events that seem to happen without reason or logic. It is frequently used to express a feeling of bewilderment when faced with an unexpected turn of events.
In technical, mathematical, or computational fields, the word shifts toward a precise description of stochastic processes. Here, it refers to the absence of a deterministic pattern, where each outcome is independent of the previous one. Grammatically, this noun is uncountable and cannot be pluralized; one refers to the degree of randomness rather than multiple randomnesses.
Meanings
Examples
The sheer randomness of the accident left everyone in shock.
True randomness is difficult to achieve in computer algorithms.
Collocations & Compounds
sheer randomness
Noun collocation: the complete or absolute lack of a pattern
The sheer randomness of the lottery draw makes it impossible to predict the winner.
perceived randomness
Noun collocation: the appearance of lacking a pattern even if one exists
Humans often mistake complex patterns for perceived randomness.
mathematical randomness
Noun collocation: the property of a sequence being unpredictable in a statistical sense
The security of the encryption depends on the mathematical randomness of the key.
algorithmic randomness
Noun collocation: the quality of a sequence generated by a computer process that mimics chance
True algorithmic randomness is a challenge for developers creating simulation software.
ensure randomness
Verb collocation: to make sure a process is unpredictable
The dealer shuffled the deck several times to ensure randomness.