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 of fluctuation

• oscillation
• change

Examples of fluctuation in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

The latest report by the country's public ‌health ⁠institute says transmission remains sustained, with recent fluctuations in cases likely influenced by reporting delays and ongoing data consolidation. — ABC News, 23 July 2026

This common form of hair loss is frequently associated with weight loss, fluctuations in hormones, or taking new medications, according to Mayo Clinic. — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026

Most of the energy headlines over the last few months have focused on the wild fluctuations in the global crude oil market. — Garth Friesen, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Organic sales are revenue from existing operations and remove the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 22 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fluctuation

• ablation
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation

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