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

So, despite the recent volatility, chipmakers remain well ahead for the year. — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 9 July 2026

But persistent geopolitical uncertainty and volatility make that process more unpredictable. — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 9 July 2026

According to the weather service, rain that forms in the clouds does not reach the surface, but the volatility of the air can create lightning that touches the ground. — Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 9 July 2026

Companies that have larger market cap values, such as the top 25 listed below, generally tend to be more stable, while smaller companies can offer higher volatility but greater growth potential. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 8 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