volatility

noun

vol·​a·​til·​i·​ty ˌvä-lə-ˈti-lə-tē How to pronounce volatility (audio)
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 potential for price volatility extends beyond the immediate term. Robert Daugherty, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024 Morgan Stanley has diversified its portfolio and moved more heavily into wealth management in recent years to reduce its exposure to the volatility of the IB business. Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2024 Savers often invest a smaller share of their funds in bonds, which offer lower returns but provide a hedge against the volatility of stocks. Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024 Vance downplayed Trump’s volatility, making the case that Trump made the world around him less dangerous and that Harris, as a sitting vice president, bears responsibility for the current chaos. Noah Bierman, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for volatility 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'volatility.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of volatility was in 1626

Dictionary Entries Near volatility

Cite this Entry

“Volatility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/volatility. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on volatility

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