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
Daily weight fluctuations are normal and shouldn't discourage weight loss efforts.
—Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 25 July 2025
Amid the ongoing tariff situation, which GM already anticipates will cost the company up to $5 billion this year, fluctuations in the supply chain and manufacturing strategies may further impede decisions surrounding how to approach warranty issues, Windau said.
—Jackie Charniga, Freep.com, 25 July 2025
Although the pace of fabric purchasing for collections has slowed down due to fluctuations in the global economy, Yaşar said brands are doing this with the aim of managing the process more deliberately.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 24 July 2025
On a core basis — which strips out the impact of currency fluctuations to provide a better understanding of actual demand — sales were up 1.5% versus the year-ago period.
—Zev Fima, CNBC, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for fluctuation
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Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 25 July 2025
Amid the ongoing tariff situation, which GM already anticipates will cost the company up to $5 billion this year, fluctuations in the supply chain and manufacturing strategies may further impede decisions surrounding how to approach warranty issues, Windau said.
—Jackie Charniga, Freep.com, 25 July 2025
Although the pace of fabric purchasing for collections has slowed down due to fluctuations in the global economy, Yaşar said brands are doing this with the aim of managing the process more deliberately.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 24 July 2025
On a core basis — which strips out the impact of currency fluctuations to provide a better understanding of actual demand — sales were up 1.5% versus the year-ago period.
—Zev Fima, CNBC, 22 July 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 29 Jul. 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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