noun
fluctuation
fluk-choo-AY-shun/ˌflʌktʃuˈeɪʃn/
An irregular rise and fall in level or amount.
The graph shows repeated, uneven fluctuations in the measured amount.
Etymology
The action noun built on “move in waves” already meant “wavering” or “vacillation” in Latin. The wave image connects that unsteadiness with an irregular rise and fall in amount.
In context
That's the normal price; right now it should fetch thirty to fifty percent more." Seeing my violent reaction, he hastily added. " There's been that much fluctuation lately?
More examples
- Currency fluctuation affected the cost of the shipment.
- The device recorded a small fluctuation in pressure.
- They adjusted the schedule to account for seasonal fluctuations.
Forms
fluctuation · fluctuations
Similar words
- variation
- Variation is any difference or change; fluctuation repeatedly rises and falls.
- oscillation
- Oscillation often repeats regularly; fluctuation may be uneven and unpredictable.