What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fickle
Example
She's so fickle, she can't make up her mind about anything. [fickle: adjective]
Example
The stock market can be fickle, with prices changing rapidly and unpredictably. [fickle: adjective]
volatile
Example
Gasoline is a volatile substance that should be handled with care. [volatile: adjective]
Example
He has a volatile temper and can become angry at the slightest provocation. [volatile: adjective]
Example
The political situation in the country is volatile, with tensions running high and the possibility of violence always present. [volatile: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Volatile is more commonly used than fickle in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications and is more versatile. Fickle is less common and tends to be used in specific contexts, such as describing a person's behavior or attitude.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fickle and volatile?
Both fickle and volatile are relatively formal words, and are more likely to be used in written or academic contexts than in casual conversation.
