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

France has had six prime ministers in five years, with volatility exacerbated after the 2024 parliamentary election resulted in no majority. — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026

The recent run-up in rates also reflects heightened bond market volatility as surging oil prices due to the war fuel inflation worries. — Alex Veiga, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

Climate volatility, shifting regulatory pressures and economic uncertainty are rapidly transforming cotton farming from a traditional agricultural endeavor into a complex, high-stakes business challenge. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026

Despite the increasing costs and market volatility, Republicans still have Porter’s vote. — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 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