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

fluctuational

ˌflək-chə-ˈwā-sh(ə-)nəl 

-chü-ˈā-

adjective

Synonyms

• change
• flux
• inconstancy
• oscillation

Examples of fluctuation in a Sentence

political instability that resulted in wild fluctuations in the overseas stock markets

Recent Examples on the Web

The filing notes that the company is focused on raising additional funds and acknowledges the potential impact of interest rate fluctuations on its operations. —Quartz Bot, Quartz, 19 Nov. 2024

The volatile stock went through heavy fluctuations throughout election day, with trading being paused on several occasions due to rapid changes. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024

With big data upon us, investors now seek unconventional ways to predict stock market fluctuations. —Bob Garcia, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024

Not to mention, the market will also be eyeing at the makeup of Congress, and that could result in some fluctuations. —Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Medical 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)

fluctuate

ˈflək-chə-ˌwāt 

verb

fluctuated; fluctuating