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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Trump could inject new levels of volatility into what is often described as the world’s most important bilateral relationship, after an election win that comes at a critical moment for the globe’s two largest economies. Jennifer Jett, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024 Bitcoin and crypto prices are braced for volatility through the U.S. election, with odds on the Polymarket prediction platform suddenly narrowing. Billy Bambrough, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 The president of the Nasdaq stock market index said the Street is now pricing in the unexpected, and trading safety nets are also being tightened to reduce volatility as much as possible. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024 Yet, with the race between Harris and Trump exceptionally tight, economists warn of potential volatility ahead, especially if results take days — or even weeks — to finalize. Nicole Goodkind, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for volatility 

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 12 Nov. 2024.

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