buoyancy

noun

buoy·​an·​cy ˈbȯi-ən(t)-sē 

ˈbü-yən(t)-

1

a

: the tendency of a body to float or to rise when submerged in a fluid

testing an object's buoyancy

b

chemistry : the power of a fluid to exert an upward force on a body placed in it

the buoyancy of water

also : the upward force exerted

2

: the ability to recover quickly from depression or discouragement : resilience

his buoyancy of spirit

3

: the property of maintaining a satisfactorily high level (as of prices or economic activity)

betting that the economy will maintain its buoyancy

Examples of buoyancy in a Sentence

the natural buoyancy of cork

The swimmer is supported by the water's buoyancy.

We hope that the economy will maintain its buoyancy.

Recent Examples on the Web

Japanese stocks surged after the country’s ruling party chose its next leader — and likely next prime minister — amid growing investor buoyancy over prospects for one of the world’s largest economies. —Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 6 Oct. 2025

And yet, for all the buoyancy onstage, Sultana’s party was already riven with deep divisions and suffering from self-defeating impulses familiar to observers of the American progressive left. —Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 4 Oct. 2025

Emerging market economies saw some buoyancy likely because trade was bolstered by a front-loading of orders by American companies. —Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 24 Sep. 2025

With little buoyancy and a heavier-than-usual load, moving dynamically through the current was difficult. —Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 13 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see buoy entry 1

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

buoyancy

noun

buoy·​an·​cy ˈbȯi-ən-sē 

ˈbü-yən-

1

: the tendency of a body to float or to rise when in a fluid

the buoyancy of a cork in water

2

: the power of a fluid to put an upward force on a body placed in it

the buoyancy of seawater