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 bank said recent volatility has created an attractive entry point, and believes that upside potential to earnings estimates will drive further outperformance. —Sean Conlon,fred Imbert, CNBC, 2 Jan. 2026

Because of that, revenues are prone to volatility, hinging on capital gains from investments, bonuses to executives and windfalls from new stock offerings, and are notoriously difficult for the state to predict. —Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026

These investors often pair silver with a larger gold allocation to reduce volatility while maintaining precious metals exposure. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 2 Jan. 2026

Crypto’s ups and downs Even with a reputation for volatility, cryptocurrencies still managed to surprise market watchers. —Stan Choe, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 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