volatility

noun

vol·​a·​til·​i·​ty ˌvä-lə-ˈti-lə-tē How to pronounce volatility (audio)
plural volatilities
Synonyms of volatilitynext
: 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
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In her remarks, academy President Lynette Howell Taylor acknowledged the questions many nominees have been asking themselves amid industry contraction, political volatility and global conflict. Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026 Goldman Sachs believes that recent volatility in software stocks has created an attractive buying opportunity in shares of Samsara . Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2026 Margot Robbie’s Catherine is whimsical, impulsive and occasionally delusional, a woman intoxicated by her own volatility. Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026 There is a shortage of solutions designed for volatility, not stability—for the people who need momentum, not the people who already have it. Josh Tanenbaum, Fortune, 10 Feb. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Volatility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/volatility. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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