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

Thursday’s layoffs data showed that the four-week moving average of weekly jobless claims, which adjusts for volatility, fell by 7,250 to 207,500. — ABC News, 23 July 2026

That flipping point was at 7,500, according to Barchart's volatility model, meaning traders may no longer be able to count on consistent dip-buying. — Oliver Renick, CNBC, 23 July 2026

Lithium-ion batteries dominate large-scale energy storage today, but their supply chains depend on materials that can face price volatility, geopolitical risks and restrictions linked to foreign entities of concern. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 23 July 2026

For an investor with genuine category expertise, patience with demand volatility and the discipline not to over-integrate, that is the opportunity. — Gustaf Lundberg Toresson, Forbes.com, 23 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