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

Why America's business leaders engage in delicate diplomacy Corporate America's careful rhetoric — even as many big companies brace for the impact of the market volatility and the tariffs — illustrates the delicate diplomacy that business leaders are trying to engage in. —Maria Aspan, NPR, 14 Mar. 2025

Market volatility could still get in the way of Klarna’s plans. —Mackenzie Sigalos,ari Levy, CNBC, 14 Mar. 2025

The threat, imposition and subsequent pauses of tariffs have caused significant market volatility. —Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025

Context: Observers had feared it would be shelved in light of recent market volatility. —Ryan Lawler, Axios, 14 Mar. 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