fluctuation

[fluhk-choo-ey-shuhn]

noun

1. continual change from one point or condition to another.

2. wavelike motion; undulation.

3. Genetics.,  a body variation due to environmental factors and not inherited.

Other Word Forms

• nonfluctuation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of fluctuation¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin fluctuātiōn- (stem of fluctuātiō ) a fluctuation, wavering. See fluctuate, -ion

Example Sentences

The confluence of these different pressure systems has resulted in fluctuations in forecast models that make it hard to predict exactly where in Southern California thunder, lightning and rain will land, she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Period symptoms such as fatigue, cramps, hormonal fluctuations, and digestive issues can have an impact on strength, endurance, focus and recovery.

From BBC

Much like with most crime statistics, experts caution against reading too much into year-over-year fluctuations.

From Los Angeles Times

If it is accidental, it’s still commendable that the android’s personality fluctuations look like a conversation with that cinematic cliché.

From Salon

“I think there is going to be a short-term fluctuation in the trend that ultimately corrects itself and resumes the path it was on while Netanyahu is in power,” he said.

From Salon

Related Words

• variation 

When To Use

What does fluctuation mean?

Fluctuation is continual change.It’s a noun form of the verb fluctuate, meaning to continually change or shift back and forth.Fluctuation is most commonly used in the context of abstract or intangible things that frequently change, such as temperature, the stock market, or someone’s mood.Example: The fluctuation of the volume on my TV is really annoying—it gets louder during commercials and then it gets quiet again when the show comes back on.