volatility

noun

vol·​a·​til·​i·​ty ˌvä-lə-ˈti-lə-tē How to pronounce volatility (audio)
plural volatilities
: the quality or state of being volatile: such as
a
: a tendency to change quickly and unpredictably
price volatility
the volatility of the stock market
b
: a tendency to erupt in violence or anger
the volatility of the region
the volatility of his temper
c
: the quality of being readily vaporizable at a fairly low temperature
As each component of crude oil has a different relative volatility, they will evaporate at different temperatures.Martin W. Stockel et al.

Examples of volatility in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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This is undoubtedly a time of tremendous political volatility. Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 11 Sep. 2025 Alex Chiniborch focuses on clarity in an industry often marked by speculation, volatility, and digital distractions. William Jones, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025 The four-week average of claims, which evens out some of the week-to-week volatility, rose by 9,750 to 240,500. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025 Investors should brace themselves for significant volatility and the likelihood of considerable losses if market conditions worsen or if the company does not succeed in executing its ambitious growth strategies. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for volatility

Word History

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of volatility was in 1626

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Cite this Entry

“Volatility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/volatility. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

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