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

For too long, families and businesses have been at the mercy of a fossil fuel industry that profits from scarcity and price volatility while passing the costs on to customers. —Julianna Larue, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2026

Into that volatility, the machines trade on — faster than any human, and for now, less visibly than any regulator would like. —Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026

But there are potential costs, including greater volatility in markets and a loss of power for the Fed chair. —Steve Liesman, CNBC, 12 June 2026

Analysts warn of high volatility due to the company’s lack of profitability and Musk’s 85% control over voting shares. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 June 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