fickle

Pronunciation: /ˈfɪk.əl/ (American English)

Origin: Old English ficol, from fician meaning 'to deceive'

Meanings:

1. Changing frequently, especially in regards to one's loyalties, interests, or affections
2. Not constant or loyal; likely to change unexpectedly

Example Sentences:

1. The fickle weather made it difficult to plan outdoor activities.
2. He had a reputation for being fickle in his relationships, never staying with one person for long.
3. Investors must be cautious in such a fickle market.

Related Words:

• Adjectives: changeable, capricious, inconstant, mercurial, volatile
• Noun: fickleness
• Adverb: fickly

Synonyms:

• Changeable, unpredictable, inconsistent, erratic, vacillating, wavering

Memorizable Tricks:

• Think of "fickle" as a combination of "flick" and "pickle." Just as you might quickly flick a pickle off your plate if you suddenly decide you don't like it, a fickle person quickly changes their mind or preferences.
• Remember the phrase "Fickle as a pickle in a tickle," emphasizing the quick, unpredictable nature of someone or something fickle.