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

Bellinger is more context-dependent with more long-term volatility, though still a solid short-term producer. —Derek Vanriper, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026

Additionally, the denim manufacturer had to contend with inconsistent quality and sharp price volatility. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 18 Feb. 2026

After leading the artificial intelligence infrastructure buildout through 2025, AMZN has recently pulled back toward major support levels amid broader growth-stock volatility. —Tony Zhang, CNBC, 18 Feb. 2026

The company said doing so would protect customers’ exposure to price volatility. —Drew Kann, AJC.com, 18 Feb. 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