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
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Despite extreme market volatility last year – especially in the spring of 2025 – the average 401(k) balance rose by 11% to $146,100, according to new data from Fidelity Investments, which analyzed nearly 25 million accounts.
—Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 4 Mar. 2026
Risks of dependence on volatile oil markets Aligning with Limón’s position, meanwhile, environmental advocates — including Erika Guzman Cornejo from California Environmental Voters — said global oil volatility shows the risks of continued dependence on fossil fuels.
—Chaewon Chung
march 3, Sacbee.com, 4 Mar. 2026
There is going to be a bit of volatility along with higher prices.
—Heath Kalb, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026
What is often seen as the Footsie's weakness — its defensive assortment of pharmaceutical, utility, tobacco and consumer goods stocks — comes into its own at times of market volatility.
—Ian King, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for volatility
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Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 4 Mar. 2026
Risks of dependence on volatile oil markets Aligning with Limón’s position, meanwhile, environmental advocates — including Erika Guzman Cornejo from California Environmental Voters — said global oil volatility shows the risks of continued dependence on fossil fuels.
—Chaewon Chung
march 3, Sacbee.com, 4 Mar. 2026
There is going to be a bit of volatility along with higher prices.
—Heath Kalb, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026
What is often seen as the Footsie's weakness — its defensive assortment of pharmaceutical, utility, tobacco and consumer goods stocks — comes into its own at times of market volatility.
—Ian King, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for volatility
Cite this Entry
“Volatility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/volatility. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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