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

Osvald Søe, 20, Wilson Eisner, 24, and Kieran Sargeant, 22, have all contributed to a developmental foundation that gives Varas’ club energy, athleticism, upside, and, at times, understandable volatility. —Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026

Tensions in the Middle East have caused bouts of Treasury market volatility in the first quarter, offering a preview of how quickly geopolitical shocks can transmit into financial conditions. —Mayra Rodriguez Valladares, Forbes.com, 9 May 2026

As the landscape continues to favor those who prioritize sustainable profitability alongside expansion, the retailers and brands who can master this balancing act will not only survive current market volatility but will emerge as the most attractive targets for future investment and acquisition. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 8 May 2026

When smoothing out that volatility, monthly job gains are running at a three-month average of 48,000. —Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 8 May 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