random / indiscriminate
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random / indiscriminate
Without deliberate selection, a plan, or thought; arbitrary and random.
Er griff wahllos ein Buch aus dem Regal, ohne auf den Titel zu achten.
He grabbed a random book from the shelf without paying attention to the title.
The word consists of 'Wahl' (choice, decision) and the ending '-los,' which means 'without.' So 'wahllos' literally means 'without selection' or 'without making a decision.'
Viele Menschen sind mit ihrem Job unzufrieden, aber nicht arbeitslos.
Many people are dissatisfied with their job, but they are not unemployed.
'Wahllos' is very often used as an adverb to describe how an action is carried out: namely, randomly and without a plan. In this function, it is not declined.
Der Täter schoss wahllos in die Menge.
The attacker fired indiscriminately into the crowd.
The word often has a negative meaning. It suggests that an action is thoughtless, chaotic, or even destructive.
Die Zerstörung der Bibliothek wirkte völlig wahllos.
The destruction of the library seemed completely indiscriminate.
random / by chance
Zufällig and wahllos describe a selection without a previously established preference. Zufällig emphasizes the random mechanism; wahllos emphasizes proceeding without a plan, consideration, or selection criteria. Use zufällig for a lottery or drawing, and wahllos for grabbing something without checking.
Die Lehrerin griff wahllos nach einem Namen auf der Liste.
The teacher grabbed a name from the list without giving it any thought.
Die Lehrerin zog zufällig einen Namen aus der Dose.
The teacher randomly drew a name from the jar.
