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 Newsom is proposing a couple of budget process changes to adjust for the volatility in addition to the current practice of setting aside rainy-day reserves. Dan Walters, Orange County Register, 21 May 2024 The volatility in its share price has prompted some analysts to compare Trump Media with meme stocks — companies that trade on social media buzz rather than traditional financial yardsticks such as profitability and revenue growth. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 20 May 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 31 May. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on volatility

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