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

This becomes even more important as supply chains face additional volatility from tariff changes, port delays, carrier instability and geopolitical disruption. — Allan Malcolm, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026

The bond market’s fear gauge, which tracks expectations for volatility, surged roughly 47% in September, its biggest one-month gain since February 2021. — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026

In both of these instances, volatility in macroeconomic conditions created urgency downstream that bid up prices. — Sj Guest Editorial, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026

Microsoft’s volatility, a measure of how expensive its options are, has been building over the last several days. — Julia Spina, CNBC, 29 Sep. 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