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

Gold has historically been considered a refuge during times of economic volatility, with investors flocking to the metal during stretches of inflation, fiat currency risks and political crises. —Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025

The sale to Blue Pool Capital was a new development after Golden Goose delayed its initial public offering in June 2024 at the 11th hour due to European market volatility. —Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025

Now, applying a risk framework, consider the Trefis High Quality (HQ) Portfolio, a 30-stock collection that has comfortably outperformed the S&P 500 over the last four years, offering better returns with less volatility, as shown in the HQ Portfolio performance metrics. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Tensions grew—as did market volatility. —Robert Hormats, Time, 3 Sep. 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