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

The move may mark more than another bout of bond-market volatility, with consequences stretching across economies and financial markets. — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026

The four-week average of claims, which smooths out week-to-week volatility, rose modestly to 207,250 last week. — Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Altrata says that volatility gives next-gen billionaires new opportunities in business, investing, and philanthropy. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026

Due to volatility in the Strait of Hormuz resulting from war with Iran, prices for crude oil have continued to rise, as the average price per barrel has reached $90, according to Vazquez. — Christian Cervantes, AZCentral.com, 3 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