fluctuate

verb fluc·tu·ate \ ˈflək-chə-ˌwāt , -chü-ˌāt \

Updated on: 21 Apr 2018

Definition of fluctuate

fluctuated; fluctuating

intransitive verb

1 : to shift back and forth uncertainly

Oil prices fluctuated.

Temperatures fluctuated.

2 : to rise and fall in or as if in waves

The boat fluctuated on the rough sea.

transitive verb

: to cause to fluctuate

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fluctuation

play \ˌflək-chə-ˈwā-shən, -chü-ˈā-\ noun

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fluctuational

play \ˌflək-chə-ˈwā-shnəl, -shə-nᵊl, -chü-ˈā-\ adjective

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Examples of fluctuate in a Sentence

His popularity has fluctuated during his term in office.
In the desert, the temperature fluctuates dramatically.

Recent Examples of fluctuate from the Web

In addition, supplies of fishmeal – an aquaculture feed made from wild-caught fish and fish by-products – have fluctuated wildly with climactic cycles, overfishing, and regulation to prevent it.

— karl plume, The Christian Science Monitor, "Insect farms emerge as an alternate source of protein," 13 Apr. 2018
Prices on food, such as pork (and, in turn, bacon), may also fluctuate, since a drop in Chinese purchasing power would likely force U.S. farmers to produce less, potentially driving up costs at home.

— jamie ducharme, Fortune, "Trump's Tariffs Against China Are Sparking Fears of a Trade War. Here's Why You Should Care," 6 Apr. 2018
Wisconsin turkey numbers will fluctuate year-to-year due primarily to variations in recruitment, winter kill and potential disease outbreaks, but have settled into a relatively stable population size.

— paul a. smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Smith: Fond du Lac's Loren Voss is a Wisconsin turkey hunting ambassador," 6 Apr. 2018
Temperatures unexpectedly fluctuated in the liquid nitrogen storage bank at the University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center where the eggs and embryos were stored, according to a University Hospitals statement.

— meera senthilingam, CNN, "More than 2,000 frozen eggs and embryos may not be viable after freezer fails," 5 Apr. 2018
Gig income can fluctuate month to month, which is why some freelancers find this challenging.

— aimee picchi, USA TODAY, "Making money in the gig economy? Avoid these 5 tax mistakes," 4 Apr. 2018
Iraq’s economy has fluctuated as wildly as its geopolitical fortunes.

— The Economist, "Fifteen years after America’s invasion, Iraq is getting back on its feet," 28 Mar. 2018
His playing time has fluctuated behind Addison and Johnson.

— jourdan rodrigue, charlotteobserver, "Could Panthers’ ‘forgotten guy’ be a key to defense in 2018? Ron Rivera wants to find out. | Charlotte Observer," 27 Mar. 2018
The number of shootings at schools have fluctuated over the past few years.

— kristina davis, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Gun violence ticking up, but chances of being victim of mass shooting still minuscle," 24 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fluctuate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of fluctuate

Latin fluctuatus, past participle of fluctuare, from fluctus flow, wave, from fluere — more at fluid

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1604

in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 2

See Words from the same year

fluctuate Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of fluctuate

swing, sway, oscillate, vibrate, fluctuate, waver, undulate mean to move from one direction to its opposite. swing implies a movement of something attached at one end or one side.