volatility

noun

vol·​a·​til·​i·​ty ˌvä-lə-ˈti-lə-tē How to pronounce volatility (audio)
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
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.
Household confidence shaken Market volatility is having a significant effect on savers in Sweden, a country renowned for its high level of household savings in investment funds among its 10.5 million population. Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 6 June 2025 Both firms exhibit extreme volatility in bear markets, but Palantir's recovery has been more substantial, possibly due to its improving profitability and operational metrics. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025 Amir Levy/Getty Images What Happens Next The coming weeks are likely to see rising volatility as Israel weighs its next move amid growing friction with Iran. Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025 While the household survey tends to have more volatility, May’s readings from that particular wing of the report rang more alarm bells than usual. Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 6 June 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Volatility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/volatility. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on volatility

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!