Fluctuating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fluctuating

[หˆflสŒktสƒสŠeษชtษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

economic

Changing often in an irregular way, especially in price or value.

Synonyms

changing, unstable, varying.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fluctuating

Use this word to describe something that is constantly moving up and down or changing irregularly. It often refers to numbers, prices, or conditions.

  • The stock market has been fluctuating wildly this week
  • Her mood is always fluctuating
varying

This word is good for describing something that differs in size, amount, or degree among several instances. It suggests diversity rather than irregularity.

  • The results were varying from one test to the next
  • His efforts had varying levels of success
changing

This word is suitable for describing something that is becoming different over time. It's a general term that can apply to many situations.

  • The seasons are changing
  • He's always changing his mind about where to go on vacation
unstable

Use this word to describe something that is not steady and can easily move or fall. It often has a negative connotation, indicating a lack of reliability or security.

  • The chair is unstable and might break if you sit on it
  • The political situation in the country is very unstable right now

Examples of usage

  • The fluctuating prices of stocks make it difficult to predict the market.
  • The fluctuating exchange rates affect international trade.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To vary irregularly in number or amount.

Synonyms

change, fluctuate, vary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fluctuating

This word is often used to describe situations where levels, values, or conditions are constantly and unpredictably changing.

  • The stock market is fluctuating wildly this week.
  • His mood has been fluctuating all day.
vary

This word denotes differences or diversification between items, situations, or times. Unlike 'fluctuate,' it doesn't necessarily imply unpredictability.

  • The menu may vary depending on the season.
  • Opinions vary on the best approach to this problem.
change

This is a general term that can be applied to any alteration or transformation in a wide variety of contexts, from personal growth to scientific adjustments.

  • I decided to change my hairstyle.
  • Climate change is a pressing issue.
fluctuate

This verb is used to describe the action of something going up and down or varying irregularly over time.

  • Prices fluctuate seasonally.
  • Temperatures can fluctuate widely in this region.

Examples of usage

  • Her mood fluctuates throughout the day.
  • The temperature fluctuated between hot and cold.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, fluctuating states can refer to changes in energy or states of matter, such as gases changing to liquids and back again.
  • Stock markets are often described as fluctuating due to their unpredictable nature, influenced by various economic factors.
  • In biology, fluctuating gene expressions are essential for adapting to environmental changes, showcasing nature's flexibility.

Economics

  • Economists often analyze fluctuating markets to predict economic trends and determine how external factors, like policy changes, impact financial stability.
  • Inflation rates are examples of fluctuating metrics that affect consumer pricing and purchasing power across the economy.
  • Fluctuating exchange rates influence international trade and can affect the prices of imports and exports between countries.

Psychology

  • Peopleโ€™s moods can be described as fluctuating, reflecting the ups and downs of emotional experiences throughout the day.
  • Mental health fluctuations indicate changes in conditions, emphasizing the importance of tracking these variations for effective treatment.
  • Fluctuating attention spans can be observed during activities, often depending on interest levels or distractions present.

Pop Culture

  • Fluctuating trends in fashion often show how styles come back in cycles, reflecting societal changes or nostalgia.
  • Music charts are constantly fluctuating, illustrating how songs can rise and fall in popularity based on cultural phenomena.
  • Social media buzz can be characterized by fluctuating engagement, where some topics gain traction while others fade quickly into obscurity.

Origin of 'fluctuating'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin verb 'fluctuare', which means 'to wave' or 'to flow', linking to how things can rise and fall.
  • In early 1800s English literature, it was used mainly to describe changes in tide or water levels, representing natural changes.
  • The noun form 'fluctuation' first appeared in English texts around the early 19th century, capturing its essence of variability.

The word 'fluctuating' originates from the Latin word 'fluctuare', which means 'to wave, undulate'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. The concept of fluctuation has been observed in various aspects of nature and economics throughout history, highlighting the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the world.


See also: fluctuate, fluctuation, fluctuations.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,377, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.