volatile
VOL-uh-tul
/ˈvɒlətaɪl/
Liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse.
Implies a state of instability where a small spark could lead to an explosion (literal or metaphorical).
The story behind the word. From 'volare' (to fly). In early science, it described liquids that 'flew away' into the air (evaporated). Today, it describes anything that might 'take off' or explode without warning.
Word relationships
- unstable: 'Unstable' means not firm; 'volatile' adds the nuance of being potentially explosive or dangerous.
- capricious: 'Capricious' implies changing on a whim (usually people); 'volatile' implies a physical or systemic readiness to erupt.
- stable: Firmly established and not likely to change.
- constant: Remaining the same over a period of time.
Commonly confused with
- abrupt: 'Abrupt' is the suddenness of the change itself; 'volatile' is the tendency to change suddenly.
Word family
- volatility (noun): The quality of being subject to frequent change.
Collocations
- volatile situation
- volatile market
- volatile personality
- volatile mixture
Example sentences
- "The stock market has been incredibly volatile this week due to the political uncertainty." Financial markets.
- "Gasoline is a volatile substance that evaporates quickly at room temperature." Chemistry.
Memory hook
Think of a 'volcano'—it is volatile because it could erupt at any moment. Ready to fly off the handle.
When not to use
Not for things that change in a predictable, rhythmic way (like the tides).
Fun facts
- In computer science, 'volatile memory' (like RAM) is memory that is lost when the power is turned off.
Related words
Explore more words
volatility, Fluctuation, capricious, mutable, skittish, evanescent
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