volatility

noun

vol·​a·​til·​i·​ty ˌvä-lə-ˈti-lə-tē How to pronounce volatility (audio)
plural volatilities
Synonyms of volatilitynext
: 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
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Ghose also acknowledges the extreme volatility of crypto but sees government intervention as essential for mainstream adoption. Rebecca Cairns, CNN Money, 18 Dec. 2025 Stock Chart IconStock chart icon S&P 500 YTD While the broader market could have heightened volumes and volatility, some individual stocks with large open interest could see a different scenario. Yun Li, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2025 Today, that same volatility is being turned into an advantage. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 18 Dec. 2025 The Rockies, given the volatility of relievers, might be more inclined to trade from their bullpen. Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 17 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for volatility

Word History

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of volatility was in 1626

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Cite this Entry

“Volatility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/volatility. Accessed 22 Dec. 2025.

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