volatile
Pronunciation: [ˈvɒlətaɪl]
Context: “science”
(adjective) when a substance can easily change from a solid or liquid to a gas. It's like when you heat something up and it starts to turn into vapor, like boiling water turning into steam.
Example
The water is volatile because it quickly turns to steam when heated.
Example
The ice is not volatile; it stays solid unless it melts at a high enough temperature.
Example
Is this liquid volatile enough to evaporate quickly when heated?
Context: “emotions”
(adjective) when someone has strong feelings that can change quickly. If a person is a bit unpredictable and gets really angry or really happy without warning, we can call their mood volatile.
Example
He has a volatile personality which keeps things exciting in the group.
Example
Her normally calm demeanor was not volatile during the meeting.
Example
Do you think his mood is too volatile for a regular job?
Context: “markets”
(adjective) when prices or values can change very quickly and suddenly. If stock prices jump up or down frequently, they are considered volatile.
Example
The stock market was very volatile today with prices changing every minute.
Example
The prices in this stable market are not volatile at all; they hardly change.
Example
Why are the prices in this market so volatile right now?