volatile

/ˈvɒl.ə.təl/ or /ˈvɑː.lə.təl/

liable to change rapidly and unpredictably

The stock market is highly volatile during economic crises.

The stock market changes unpredictably and dramatically in bad economic times.

formal

liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse

The political situation in the country became volatile after the election.

The country's political situation changed unpredictably after the election.

Volatile chemicals should be stored in a secure, temperature-controlled environment.

Chemicals that can change or react dangerously must be stored carefully.

Often used to describe emotions, markets, situations, or substances that are unstable or explosive.

technical

evaporating readily at normal temperatures and pressures

Petroleum ether is a volatile solvent used in laboratories.

Petroleum ether evaporates quickly at room temperature, making it useful in labs.

In chemistry, refers to substances with low boiling points that evaporate easily.

Collocations

volatile situationa situation that can change dangerously or unpredictablyvolatile marketa financial market with rapid, unpredictable price changesvolatile emotionsfeelings that change suddenly and intenselyhighly volatileextremely unstable or reactive

Synonyms

unstable unpredictable erratic explosive fickle changeable

Antonyms

stable steady predictable constant calm

Pro Tip

Avoid overusing 'volatile' for positive changes

While 'volatile' can technically describe any rapid change, it almost always implies instability or danger in modern usage. Use 'dynamic' or 'fast-changing' for positive contexts.

Gold Rule

Use 'volatile' for negative or neutral instability

Reserve 'volatile' for situations, markets, emotions, or substances that are unstable, unpredictable, or potentially dangerous. Do not use it to describe positive transformations.

Word Origin

From Latin 'volatilis' (flying, fleeting), derived from 'volare' (to fly). Entered English in the 17th century with the sense of 'able to fly' before evolving to mean 'liable to change rapidly'.

Usage Notes

Commonly used in formal and technical contexts. In everyday speech, 'volatile' often carries a negative connotation of unpredictability or danger. Avoid using it to describe positive changes.

Word Breakdown

volat-

to fly

root

-ile

capable of being

suffix

English Dictionary

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