turbulence

American  

[tur-byuh-luhns] / ˈtɜr byə ləns /

Sometimes turbulency

noun

1. the quality or state of being turbulent; violent disorder or commotion.

2. Hydraulics. the haphazard secondary motion caused by eddies within a moving fluid.

3. Meteorology. irregular motion of the atmosphere, as that indicated by gusts and lulls in the wind.

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turbulence British  

/ ˈtɜːbjʊləns, ˈtɜːbjʊˌlənsɪ /

noun

1. a state or condition of confusion, movement, or agitation; disorder

2. meteorol local instability in the atmosphere, oceans, or rivers

3. turbulent flow in a liquid or gas

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turbulence Scientific  

/ tûr′byə-ləns /

1. Chaotic or unstable eddying motion in a fluid. Avoiding excessive turbulence generated around moving objects (such as airplanes), which can make their motion inefficient and difficult to control, is a major factor in aerodynamic design.

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Etymology

Origin of turbulence

From the Late Latin word turbulentia, dating back to 1590–1600. See turbulent, -ence

Explanation

Use the noun turbulence to describe instability or disturbance. If you’re on an airplane during a storm, turbulence is that horrible thing that is causing the plane (and your stomach) to bounce around. The word turbulence can be used to refer to atmospheric instability, such as sudden, unpredictable air movements resulting from a storm, but the word has a broader meaning as well and you will often hear it used to describe any situation characterized by unrest and disorder. If your stocks are fluctuating wildly in price, that could be a result of turbulence in the stock market. If last year was filled with unpredictable change, you could describe it as a year of great turbulence.

Example Sentences

Turbulence on the waters of the Persian Gulf is also matched by wild price gyrations in the most susceptible commodity: oil.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 20, 2026

Turbulence in markets as well as geopolitics presented plenty of opportunities for others.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 24, 2026

Turbulence could hit the market as a result of any number of potential factors.

From Barron's • Oct. 29, 2025

Turbulence can cause injuries in passengers and airline employees, along with wear and tear on airplanes, the study notes.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 5, 2024

Turbulence tugged the Vimy around like a toy.

From "1919 The Year That Changed America" by Martin W. Sandler

Related Words

• conflict
• confusion
• disturbance
• instability
• tumult
• turmoil
• unrest