English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun C2 Proficient

fluctuation

fluhkt-shoo-AY-shuhn

Fluctuation (noun) means an irregular rise and fall, especially in level, amount, or value. Example: “Sudden fluctuations in the stock market worried investors.”

noun
1
An irregular rise and fall, especially in level, amount, or value.
"Sudden fluctuations in the stock market worried investors."
"Small fluctuations in temperature are normal overnight."

How to Use Fluctuation

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn up-and-down change, especially in something measurable like price or temperature.

Common pairings
price fluctuation currency fluctuation fluctuation in demand

Word Forms

fluctuations plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “fluctuation” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

Sudden _____ in the stock market worried investors.

Etymology

From Latin fluctuatio, from fluctuare ("to move like waves"), from fluctus ("wave").

Origin: Latin

Related Words

Rhymes for fluctuation

See all rhymes for fluctuation →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “fluctuation” mean?

The word “fluctuation” means an irregular rise and fall, especially in level, amount, or value. In plain terms, an up-and-down change, especially in something measurable like price or temperature.

How do you pronounce “fluctuation”?

“Fluctuation” is pronounced fluhkt-shoo-AY-shuhn (/flʌkt͡ʃuːˈeɪʃən/ in IPA).

How do you use “fluctuation” in a sentence?

Here is “fluctuation” used in a sentence: “Sudden fluctuations in the stock market worried investors.”

What part of speech is “fluctuation”?

“Fluctuation” is a noun.

Where does the word “fluctuation” come from?

The word “fluctuation” comes from Latin. From Latin fluctuatio, from fluctuare ("to move like waves"), from fluctus ("wave").

Featured In

People Also Searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial