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.
Martin W. Stockel et al.Examples of volatility in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Japan’s political volatility began after Shinzo Abe stepped down as prime minister in 2020.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
The survey reveals a sharp rise in risks associated with geopolitical volatility, which climbed 12 places since 2023 to enter the top 10 global risks for the first time.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile gold, which has long been considered a safe-haven trade in times of economic or political volatility, rallied to fresh records.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
Even as more mainstream financial institutions increase their crypto ties, cryptocurrencies continue to be riddled with fraud on their customers and shaken by price volatility.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for volatility
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Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
The survey reveals a sharp rise in risks associated with geopolitical volatility, which climbed 12 places since 2023 to enter the top 10 global risks for the first time.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile gold, which has long been considered a safe-haven trade in times of economic or political volatility, rallied to fresh records.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
Even as more mainstream financial institutions increase their crypto ties, cryptocurrencies continue to be riddled with fraud on their customers and shaken by price volatility.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for volatility
Cite this Entry
“Volatility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/volatility. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.
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