What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
volatility
Example
The volatility of gasoline makes it a dangerous substance to handle. [volatility: noun]
Example
The stock market showed high volatility during the pandemic. [volatility: noun]
variability
Example
The variability of weather patterns makes it difficult to predict long-term climate changes. [variability: noun]
Example
The variability in test scores indicates that the exam was not reliable. [variability: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Variability is more commonly used than volatility in everyday language. Variability is a versatile word that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while volatility is more specialized and often used in technical or financial contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between volatility and variability?
Both volatility and variability are formal words that are often used in scientific or technical contexts. However, volatility may be considered more formal due to its specialized usage in finance and economics.
