What does volatile mean?
Volatile describes something that is liable to rapid, unpredictable change. The word is especially common in descriptions of markets, economic conditions, political situations, public opinion, and personal relationships, where it suggests that conditions can shift sharply and unexpectedly. It can also describe a volatile temperament, implying emotional instability or a tendency to react strongly. In chemistry, volatile has a more technical meaning: a volatile substance vaporizes or evaporates readily at relatively low temperatures. The word is useful because it captures a combination of instability and unpredictability, not simply ordinary change. It is generally formal in tone but is fully established in everyday usage, and it is understood similarly in British and American English.
adjectiveLiable to rapid and unpredictable change, especially in prices, conditions, or emotions. In chemistry, it describes a substance that readily vaporizes or evaporates.
- Liable to rapid and unpredictable change, especially in prices, conditions, or emotions.
- In chemistry, liable to vaporize or evaporate readily.
"The volatile market made investors nervous as prices fluctuated sharply throughout the day."
"The committee was volatile during the negotiations, with opinions shifting from one hour to the next."
"The compound has a low boiling point and is highly volatile at room temperature."
From the Latin word for “flying,” volatile went from describing substances that rise into the air to describing anything that can change or spiral in a heartbeat.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does volatile come from?
English borrowed volatile from the Latin adjective volatilis, meaning “flying,” “fleeting,” or “liable to change,” derived from volare, “to fly.” The word entered English in the early 17th century and was initially associated with rapid change or evanescence, before its chemical sense became established. Its Latin root is also reflected in related English forms such as volatility, volatilize, and volatilization.
Related word forms
How volatile is actually used
The adjective is widely used in formal and informal contexts. In finance and politics, it often describes markets, situations, or public opinion that are subject to abrupt fluctuations; in personal contexts, it can refer to an emotionally changeable or excitable person. British and American usage is broadly similar.
Easily confused with volatile
Versatile means able to adapt to many different functions or activities, whereas volatile means prone to rapid, unpredictable change.