volatile
The stock market is highly volatile during economic crises.
The stock market changes unpredictably and dramatically in bad economic times.
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.
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
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.