volatility
vol-uh-TIL-ih-tee
/ˌvɒləˈtɪlɪti/
Liability to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse.
In energy markets, volatility refers to the wild swings in oil and gas prices that can destabilize economies.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'volare', meaning 'to fly'. A volatile substance is one that 'flies' away into the air (evaporates). In finance, prices 'fly' up and down unpredictably.
Word relationships
- instability: Instability is a lack of steadiness; volatility is the tendency to change rapidly.
- unpredictability: Unpredictability is just not knowing what will happen; volatility is the speed and scale of that change.
- stability: Stability is the state of being steady and unchanging.
- constancy: Constancy is the quality of staying the same over time.
Commonly confused with
- vulnerability: Vulnerability is being open to harm; volatility is being prone to change.
Word family
- volatile (adjective): Prone to rapid change.
Collocations
- market volatility
- price volatility
- extreme volatility
- low volatility
Example sentences
- "The volatility of oil prices makes it difficult for airlines to plan their budgets." Market News
- "Gasoline has high volatility, meaning it evaporates quickly at room temperature." Chemistry
Memory hook
Volatility is like a 'VOLCANO'—it can erupt at any time. Flying up and down.
When not to use
Don't use it for a person who is just 'moody'. Use it for things that change with explosive or unpredictable speed.
Fun facts
- The word 'volley' (as in tennis or a volley of bullets) comes from the same root 'volare'.
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