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

By simulating real-world supply chains in a virtual environment, businesses can model and optimize inventory management, logistics and production processes in real time, fostering efficient planning, identifying bottlenecks and forecasting demand fluctuation. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025

The market’s complexities, volatility and an infinite number of other variables can cause unpredictable price fluctuations, but your own mindset is just as key among the variables that can set your financial portfolio back. —Emily Glass, CNBC, 16 Feb. 2025

Identify Triggers Various factors, including environmental temperatures, stress, certain foods, and hormonal fluctuations, can trigger hot flashes. —Sarah Jividen, Health, 15 Feb. 2025

Some parts of California's Central Valley, for example, can see as much as eight inches of subsidence each year; this is influenced by groundwater fluctuations. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025

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