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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While acknowledging the challenges and volatility of the current global scenario, the group’s chief executive officer Andrea Guerra sounded pleased with the performance during a call with analysts on Thursday at the end of trading in Hong Kong, where the company is publicly listed. Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025 As companies navigate higher costs and market volatility, CFOs are playing a more direct role in pricing strategy, Gallucci said. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025 Climate volatility, economic precarity, geopolitical unrest and an algorithmic attention economy are all conspiring to keep us in survival mode. Chris Schembra, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2025 Goldman Sachs’ trading desk also noted that spot gold’s realized volatility relative to the S & P 500 hit its highest level since 2020, meaning there may be more wild swings ahead. Fred Imbert, CNBC, 22 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 2025.

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