Word
fluctuation
Phoneticsfluc·tu·a·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌfɫəktʃuˈeɪʃən/
UK/flˌʌktʃuːˈeɪʃən/
Definition
n. a change that moves up and down over time, like the price of a product or the weather. It describes something that is not steady or constant.
n. a change that varies between different levels or states over a period of time. Often refers to economic or environmental variables that experience periodic rises and falls.
Examples
“The price of gas has seen a lot of fluctuation this year.”
“Market fluctuation is a normal part of investing, but sudden drops can cause many people to lose their confidence.”
“Economists are closely monitoring the fluctuation in consumer spending to determine whether the current recovery is sustainable or merely a temporary rebound.”
Examples
simple
“The price of gas has seen a lot of fluctuation this year.”
contextual
“Market fluctuation is a normal part of investing, but sudden drops can cause many people to lose their confidence.”
complex
“Economists are closely monitoring the fluctuation in consumer spending to determine whether the current recovery is sustainable or merely a temporary rebound.”
Real-World Examples
“A combination of form fit, clamping and bonding ensures that the assembly can withstand the stresses of a rocket launch—including severe vibrations, accelerations and temperature fluctuations.” “Without this, it's difficult to distinguish short-term fluctuations from genuine change.” “Iran has closed the vital waterway since the beginning of the conflict causing wild fluctuations in oil prices worldwide.” “This fluctuation is one of the defining characteristics of Tourette syndrome and can lead outside observers to wonder whether a person’s diagnosis is real.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin fluctuatiōnem, accusative singular of fluctuatiō, from fluctuō, from fluctus. Morphologically fluctuate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/fluctuation