fluctuation
noun
fluc·tu·a·tion
ˌflək-chə-ˈwā-shən 
-chü-ˈā-
plural fluctuations
: an act or instance of fluctuating : an irregular shifting back and forth or up and down in the level, strength, or value of something
Small fluctuations in prices are to be expected.
Some fluctuation in real estate values is not unusual.
North American species in general, having contended with blazing July days and frosty September nights as they evolved, are much more tolerant of temperature fluctuations than tropical species are.—
Jonathan Franzen
Jonathan FranzenExamples of fluctuation in a Sentence
political instability that resulted in wild fluctuations in the overseas stock markets
Recent Examples on the Web
X-ray radiation levels in the chamber were similar to those on the surface of Mars when there is strong solar activity, though solar flares and fluctuations in solar wind make actual Martian levels unpredictable.
—Elizabeth Rayne, ArsTechnica, 19 Apr. 2025
Vulcan remains steadfast in its commitment to inherent value, patiently awaiting a price that aligns with its corporate quality, without succumbing to fads or market fluctuations.
—Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) on Monday backed a stock trading ban for sitting members of Congress, after ripping Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) for reportedly profiting off market fluctuations during President Trump’s tariff roller-coaster.
—Tara Suter, The Hill, 15 Apr. 2025
The sale is a striking reminder of just how competitive—and resilient—the downtown Manhattan real estate market remains, even amid broader market fluctuations.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fluctuation
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Elizabeth Rayne, ArsTechnica, 19 Apr. 2025
Vulcan remains steadfast in its commitment to inherent value, patiently awaiting a price that aligns with its corporate quality, without succumbing to fads or market fluctuations.
—Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) on Monday backed a stock trading ban for sitting members of Congress, after ripping Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) for reportedly profiting off market fluctuations during President Trump’s tariff roller-coaster.
—Tara Suter, The Hill, 15 Apr. 2025
The sale is a striking reminder of just how competitive—and resilient—the downtown Manhattan real estate market remains, even amid broader market fluctuations.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fluctuation
Cite this Entry
“Fluctuation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluctuation. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
fluctuation
noun
fluc·tu·a·tion
ˌflək-chə-ˈwā-shən
1
: a motion like that of waves
especially
: the wavelike motion of a fluid collected in a natural or artificial cavity of the body observed by palpation or percussion
2
a
: a slight and nonheritable variation
especially
: such a variation occurring in response to environmental factors
b
: recurrent and often more or less cyclic alteration (as of form, size, or color of a bodily part)
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