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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But the report cautioned that the positive results could change if current economic volatility leads to a deterioration of the jobs market. Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025 The region has been roiled by volatility and political unrest in the years since, as Ukraine tries to oust Russian forces from Crimea and Donbas. Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025 Wall Street may be past the worst of the tariff headlines two weeks after the initial April 2 announcement — as President Donald Trump endeavors to accomplish enormous trade deals during his 90-day pause — but volatility will continue to be a mainstay of the stock market for the foreseeable future. Sarah Min, CNBC, 18 Apr. 2025 Avoid reacting to market volatility by suddenly moving your investments into something safer. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 18 Apr. 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 24 Apr. 2025.

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