random walk

A mathematical and scientific concept describing a process where a path consists of a succession of random steps, often used to model phenomena in physics, finance, and biology.

• 🇩🇪Mathematisches und wissenschaftliches Konzept für einen Prozess, bei dem ein Weg aus einer Folge zufälliger Schritte besteht; häufig zur Modellierung von Phänomenen in Physik, Finanzwesen und Biologie verwendet.

1. Mathematical concept C1 formal

   A process in which a variable moves in a sequence of steps, each step being determined by chance, often used in physics, finance, and statistics.

   • The movement of a stock price is often modeled as a random walk.
   • In physics, Brownian motion is a classic example of a random walk.
   • The random walk hypothesis suggests that past price movements cannot predict future ones.

   🇩🇪Zufällige Irrfahrt

2. Figurative use B2 informal

   A situation or process that seems to have no clear direction or pattern, moving unpredictably.

   • His career path has been a random walk from one job to another.
   • The conversation was a random walk through various unrelated topics.
   • Her thoughts took a random walk, jumping from idea to idea.

   🇩🇪Ungeordnete Wanderung