English · Adjectives

volatile

/ˈvɒl.ə.taɪl/

[/ˈvɒl.ə.taɪl/]

unstable or changeable

Advancedadjective

Definition

Liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, often for the worse.

Example

The stock market was highly volatile, swinging wildly with every piece of news.

The stock market was highly volatile, swinging wildly with every piece of news.

Etymology

From Latin 'volare' (to fly), via 'volatilis' (flying, fleeting).

How & Where It’s Used

Common in finance, chemistry, and descriptions of mood.

Watch “unstable or changeable” pronunciation on YouTube
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