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

There can be some volatility in aging curves, especially at this point in a player’s career. — Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 2 July 2026

Geopolitical and economic volatility are pushing resilience higher up the agenda. — Arungalai Anbarasu, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Still, The Asia Group argues that China is well-positioned to weather further macroeconomic volatility. — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 1 July 2026

Pranav Sayta, partner at EY India, said a structural shift toward equity investing has made the market unusually resilient, with systematic investment plans and pension money continuing to support listings despite periods of volatility. — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 1 July 2026

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