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

Sdi Productions | Istock | Getty Images On the heels of the longest-ever federal government shutdown, shifting tariff policies and heightened stock market volatility, many Americans are worried about what political uncertainty may cost them. —Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 4 Dec. 2025

Rising tariffs fueled volatility, a cooling job market challenged workers, and inflation stuck around. —Rachel Barber, USA Today, 4 Dec. 2025

True regional peace requires legitimate political pathways—not transactional arrangements atop persistent volatility. —Newsweek Contributors, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025

As the fair hits its 23rd year, insiders are asking how its role is shifting amid market volatility and increasing global competition. —Jane Wooldridge, Miami Herald, 3 Dec. 2025

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