volatility
Say it: vol-uh-TIL-ih-tee /ˌvɑləˈtɪləti/ · noun
What “volatility” means
Rapid, unpredictable changes, especially in prices.
More precisely: The tendency to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially in prices.
Example: “Crypto's volatility means your savings can drop 20% in a week.”
When to use it
In finance or business discussions, when prices or conditions swing sharply and are difficult to predict.
Similar words
instability, unpredictability, fluctuation
Where it comes from
From Latin volare, "to fly."
Quick check
A share price jumps sharply, plunges the next day, then shoots up again without warning. It shows…
volatility or inflation?
Show the answer
volatility
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