fluctuation

noun

fluc·​tu·​a·​tion ˌflək-chə-ˈwā-shən 

-chü-ˈā-

plural fluctuations

: an act or instance of fluctuating : an irregular shifting back and forth or up and down in the level, strength, or value of something

Small fluctuations in prices are to be expected.

Some fluctuation in real estate values is not unusual.

North American species in general, having contended with blazing July days and frosty September nights as they evolved, are much more tolerant of temperature fluctuations than tropical species are.

—Jonathan Franzen

fluctuational

ˌflək-chə-ˈwā-sh(ə-)nəl 

-chü-ˈā-

adjective

Synonyms

• change
• flux
• inconstancy
• oscillation

Examples of fluctuation in a Sentence

political instability that resulted in wild fluctuations in the overseas stock markets

Recent Examples on the Web

Think 2035, maybe even more — this is a buy-and-hold play with tons of long-term growth in store, with possibly large near-term fluctuations! —Trefis Team, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2024

Each quarterly earnings season, investors listen closely to financial chiefs for their outlooks on revenue growth and future profitability — at times causing massive fluctuation in share price. —Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2024

Pregnancy is associated with hormonal fluctuations across the three trimesters, which can lead to fatigue, drowsiness, and the frequent need to urinate at night, Drerup added. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2024

Hurricane Kristy strengthened into a Category 4 storm Wednesday and fluctuations in strength are expected throughout the day Thursday, the National Hurricane Center said Thursday morning. —Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

fluctuation

noun

fluc·​tu·​a·​tion ˌflək-chə-ˈwā-shən 

1

: a motion like that of waves

especially : the wavelike motion of a fluid collected in a natural or artificial cavity of the body observed by palpation or percussion

2

a

: a slight and nonheritable variation

especially : such a variation occurring in response to environmental factors

b

: recurrent and often more or less cyclic alteration (as of form, size, or color of a bodily part)

fluctuate

ˈflək-chə-ˌwāt 

verb

fluctuated; fluctuating