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

Rising rates and bond market volatility are creating select opportunities for income investors. — Michelle Fox, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026

Governments are trying to insulate themselves from geopolitical volatility and fuel price instability, said Caspian Conran, lead economist at the global consultancy firm Baringa. — Jennifer McDermott, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026

While the human toll is evident, the economic impacts are also becoming ever clearer, pushing energy prices higher and contributing to their volatility. — Johannes Teyssen, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026

In times of volatility, those qualities become even more important. — Steven Boydstun, Forbes.com, 23 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