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-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

-chü-ˈā-

adjective

Synonyms

• change
• flux
• inconstancy
• oscillation

Examples of fluctuation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Worley further added that forecasting the weather for the eclipse was challenging due to its occurrence being over two weeks away, and the weather model was prone to fluctuations. —The Arizona Republic, 31 Mar. 2024

And these fluctuations in our muscles may affect performance. —Will Stone, NPR, 29 Mar. 2024

This approach not only increases your reach but also mitigates risks associated with market fluctuations, ensuring a steadier flow of sales despite economic challenges. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024

Scientists aren't sure what's behind these dramatic fluctuations in Antarctic sea ice. —Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 2 Mar. 2024

Small farms are also at outsized risk from unpredictable fluctuations in the weather, markets, global supply chains and government regulations. —Sophia Liang, The Courier-Journal, 27 Feb. 2024

Speakers at the symposium discussed data points tracking back to at least 2010, showing a fluctuation in homicide rates, but an overall increase in the last 13 years. —Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2024

Comparing this fluctuation to astronomical events, researchers found an unexpected connection: Each cycle coincided with records of gravitational interactions between Earth and Mars. —Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Mar. 2024

Detached from measurable fundamentals and real-world utility, fluctuations in the price of bitcoin reflect not much more than a collective belief that the price will either rise or fall. —Joel Khalili, WIRED, 12 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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