volatility

noun

vol·​a·​til·​i·​ty ˌvä-lə-ˈti-lə-tē 

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

The fintech space is characterized by its volatility due to macro uncertainty, inflationary pressures, rising interest rates, geopolitical uncertainty, and many other factors. —Jack McCullough, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025

The supply chain volatility data should serve as a warning about what would come next if the temporary pause in tariffs by the U.S. and China aren’t extended permanently after the 90-day pause and the trade war re-escalates. —Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 13 May 2025

Despite the volatility in such high-frequency data, the market is crucial for Tesla. —Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 13 May 2025

The 90-day deadline for a more lasting trade deal could fuel further market volatility in the coming weeks. —Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for volatility

• affability
• audibility
• bistability
• capability
• changeability
• contractility
• credibility
• culpability
• disability
• disutility
• durability
• fallibility