a volatile environment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a volatile environment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or setting that is unstable, unpredictable, or subject to rapid change, often in contexts like business, finance, or politics. Example: "The company struggled to adapt to a volatile environment, which led to significant losses in revenue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"Football management is a volatile environment, nowhere more so than the Premier League.

The Guardian - Sport

The bank attributed the sag in profit and revenue to "a volatile environment".

The New York Times

That sentiment, along with the growing strength of the Qaeda affiliate Ansar al-Sharia, has created a volatile environment.

The New York Times

It states there was only "one turnstile used for entering and exiting site" creating delays of 20 minutes leading to a "volatile environment with overcrowding/cramped conditions".

The Guardian

Scientists will take years to validate their algorithm, whereas a trader has just days to do so in a volatile environment".

The Guardian

But the acrimony between the parties, aggravated by regional and religious claims of entitlement to the presidency, has created a volatile environment.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

I've spent half a decade being cozy in a very volatile environment.

Huffington Post

It was also a place they could be safe in what was becoming a more volatile environment.

The Guardian

It takes a special man, or even the Special One, to handle such a persistently volatile environment.

The New York Times

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Kim could respond in a number of ways, including renewing missile or nuclear tests in "a very volatile environment".

Huffington Post

Cramer's CNBC show, Mad Money, has come under repeated attack in recent months for its bullish enthusiasm in a highly volatile environment.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing "a volatile environment", be specific about the factors contributing to its instability. For instance, mention the political, economic, or social elements that make the environment unpredictable.

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "the environment was volatile due to unforeseen circumstances". Instead, specify the root causes, such as "the market became volatile due to rising interest rates and investor uncertainty".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a volatile environment" functions as a noun phrase, where "volatile" is an adjective modifying the noun "environment". Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a volatile environment" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe situations marked by instability and rapid change. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and business contexts, emphasizing the need for specificity when discussing contributing factors. While alternatives exist, the choice depends on the desired nuance, with some highlighting risk, others instability, and yet others tension. When using "a volatile environment", detail the specific causes for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unstable situation

Focuses on the lack of stability, implying potential for sudden negative changes.

a turbulent atmosphere

Emphasizes the chaotic and unsettled nature of the surrounding conditions.

a precarious setting

Highlights the vulnerability and risk associated with the situation.

a fluctuating market

Specifically refers to market conditions characterized by unpredictable ups and downs.

a changing landscape

Suggests ongoing shifts and transformations, implying a lack of permanence.

a sensitive climate

Highlights potential for disproportionate reactions to otherwise minor events.

a difficult period

Focuses on the challenging nature of the times, though not necessarily unpredictability.

a heated environment

Emphasizes tension and conflict rather than unpredictability.

a testing time

Highlights that something difficult is being tested.

an evolving situation

Highlights that something is evolving and changing progressively.

FAQs

How can I use "a volatile environment" in a sentence?

You can use "a volatile environment" to describe a situation that is unstable and unpredictable, such as: "The company struggled to maintain profits in "a volatile environment"."

What are some alternatives to "a volatile environment"?

Alternatives include "an unstable situation", "a turbulent atmosphere", or "a precarious setting", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "volatile environment" or "unstable environment"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "volatile environment" often implies rapid and unpredictable changes, whereas "unstable environment" suggests a lack of equilibrium. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What makes an environment "volatile"?

An environment becomes "volatile" when it is subject to sudden and significant changes, often driven by external factors like political instability, economic fluctuations, or technological disruptions.