volatility

noun

vol·​a·​til·​i·​ty ˌvä-lə-ˈti-lə-tē How to pronounce volatility (audio)
plural volatilities
Synonyms of volatility
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The four-week average of claims, which strips out week-to-week volatility, fell to 196,750. — ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026 The midterm elections next week and potential flare-ups in the Middle East may represent additional sources of volatility. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026 Indeed, the luxury magnate is famously known for looking far beyond quarterly results and near-term volatility, remaining confident about the midterm outlook. — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026 Employees are under constant pressure to keep up with economic volatility, advancing technologies, the rising cost of living and fast-paced work environments. — Jon Lowe, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for volatility

See All Rhymes for volatility

Browse Nearby Words

volatilise
volatility
volatilizable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Volatility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/volatility. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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