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 Pricing of options on volatility in the S&P 500 shows a spike in contracts that expire next November and December. Jeff Sommer, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2024 Anastasia Talley is tremendous as the Jackson matriarch, Katherine Jackson, who may be kinder and gentler but doesn’t entirely protect her child from her husband’s volatility and manipulations. Lisa Kennedy, The Denver Post, 12 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for volatility 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'volatility.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of volatility was in 1626

Dictionary Entries Near volatility

Cite this Entry

“Volatility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/volatility. Accessed 4 May. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on volatility

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