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

In fact, no fewer than a quarter of the league’s bosses have gone public with varying degrees of volatility at their respective situations. —Tim Spiers, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2025

One college turns to donors While many schools are warning of cuts or sitting in limbo, one college in a small Massachusetts town has found a way to get ahead of the funding volatility. —Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2025

But some market-watchers caution that economic headwinds could serve up ample volatility in the coming months. —Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2025

Paramount stock is more heavily shorted by far than shares in its media peers, which can increase volatility. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2025

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