What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
labile
Example
The political situation in the country is labile and can change rapidly. [labile: adjective]
Example
She has a labile personality and can go from happy to sad in a matter of minutes. [labile: adjective]
Example
The labile compound needs to be stored carefully to prevent it from decomposing. [labile: noun]
volatile
Example
The stock market is volatile and can change drastically in a short period of time. [volatile: adjective]
Example
He has a volatile temper and can become angry at the slightest provocation. [volatile: adjective]
Example
The volatile chemicals need to be handled with care to avoid explosions. [volatile: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Volatile is more commonly used than labile in everyday language. Volatile is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while labile is less common and is typically used in medical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between labile and volatile?
Both labile and volatile are formal words that are typically used in technical or specialized contexts. However, volatile is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
