volatile

[ˈvɒlətaɪl]

volatile Definition

• 1. liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse
• 2. evaporating readily at normal temperatures and pressures
• 3. liable to lead to sudden change or violence

Using volatile: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "volatile" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The stock market can be quite volatile.

• Example

  She had a volatile temper and would often lash out at others.

• Example

  Gasoline is a volatile substance that should be handled with care.

• Example

  The political situation in the country is becoming increasingly volatile.

volatile Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for volatile

• unstable
• erratic
• unpredictable
• inconstant
• capricious

Antonyms for volatile

• stable
• steady
• constant

Idioms Using volatile

• walk on the volatile side

  to take risks or engage in dangerous or unpredictable behavior

  Example

  He always liked to walk on the volatile side, taking risks and living life to the fullest.

• light the volatile fuse

  to do something that is likely to cause a sudden and violent reaction

  Example

  His comments about the controversial issue were enough to light the volatile fuse and start a heated argument.

• volatile as a cat on a hot tin roof

  extremely nervous, agitated, or restless

  Example

  She was as volatile as a cat on a hot tin roof, unable to sit still or relax for even a moment.

Phrases with volatile

• volatile relationship

  a relationship that is characterized by frequent and unpredictable changes in mood or behavior

  Example

  Their volatile relationship was marked by intense arguments followed by passionate reconciliations.

• volatile memory

  computer memory that requires power to maintain stored data, and loses its contents when the power is turned off

  Example

  RAM is an example of volatile memory.

• volatile organic compound

  an organic chemical compound that has a high vapor pressure at ordinary room temperature

  Example

  Paints and solvents often contain volatile organic compounds.

Origins of volatile

from Latin 'volatilis', meaning 'fleeting'

📌

Summary: volatile in Brief

The term 'volatile' [ˈvɒlətaɪl] refers to something that is liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, often for the worse. It can describe a person's mood or behavior, as in 'She had a volatile temper,' or a substance that evaporates easily, like gasoline. Phrases like 'volatile relationship' and idioms like 'walk on the volatile side' suggest risk and unpredictability.