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
Jonathan FranzenExamples of fluctuation in a Sentence
political instability that resulted in wild fluctuations in the overseas stock markets
Recent Examples on the Web
For example, at AI data centers, even minor voltage fluctuations can trigger a switch to backup power, requiring immediate action to control the energy load.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 28 Dec. 2025
The biggest difference was in ticket revenue—a sign that matchups have an effect and could lead to fluctuations in future financial outcomes.
—Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 27 Dec. 2025
Estrogen fluctuations can disrupt cortisol rhythms, leading to cravings, fatigue and nighttime awakenings.
—Anna Barton Bradley, The Conversation, 26 Dec. 2025
For eight years, Uranus in Taurus activated your communication and erratic spending tendencies, sometimes scattering your focus or creating unexpected financial fluctuations.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 23 Dec. 2025
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Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 28 Dec. 2025
The biggest difference was in ticket revenue—a sign that matchups have an effect and could lead to fluctuations in future financial outcomes.
—Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 27 Dec. 2025
Estrogen fluctuations can disrupt cortisol rhythms, leading to cravings, fatigue and nighttime awakenings.
—Anna Barton Bradley, The Conversation, 26 Dec. 2025
For eight years, Uranus in Taurus activated your communication and erratic spending tendencies, sometimes scattering your focus or creating unexpected financial fluctuations.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fluctuation
Cite this Entry
“Fluctuation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluctuation. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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)
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