fluctuating

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "fluctuating" is correct and it can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is changing in nature or subject to variation or uncertainty. Example sentence: "Stock prices have been fluctuating this week, making it difficult to predict which direction the market will take."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pat, with his (or her) chubby body, fluctuating voice and short, curly hair, was supposed to be the butt of a joke for being unidentifiably male or female, but instead wrested control of every sketch by forcefully confronting anyone who tried to figure out his (or her) gender.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Scales can seem extraordinary fickle at times, with weight fluctuating by nearly 1kg from day to day.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This is Lewis' "preacher novel" and concerns the gamboling fraudster Elmer Gantry's fluctuating success within the clergy.

The Guardian - Books

Certainly that is the case in the middle of another wonderfully fluctuating match.

The Guardian - Sport

Whereas the South Africans are still small fry compared with French winemakers or even with Australians, they are determined to find a way into the hearts of Chinese drinkers, spurred on by fluctuating sales in their traditional markets in Europe.Mr Koegelenberg, for example, took the advice of his Chinese partner, who told him to make the labels look French.

The Economist

By confirming inflation it explains why the universe still exists—since it was inflation which stopped it fluctuating back into the void.

The Economist

Suppliers might do likewise, if their customers face fluctuating demand.

The Economist

If they are simply fluctuating around a constant or slowly rising trend, then they will quickly self-correct and the central bank should stay focused on the core inflation rate which is set in the rest of the economy.

The Economist

VoIP also allows call-centre operators to work from home, making it easier to match the number of workers to fluctuating demand.If you can't beat 'em, join 'emAll of this is a decidedly mixed blessing for telecoms operators.

The Economist

This describes patients who are a shade better off than those in a vegetative state, because they show fluctuating signs of awareness.

The Economist

After years of squeezing costs, American businesses are said to be leaner and meaner and more robust in the face of fluctuating demand.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fluctuating" to describe dynamic processes, like "fluctuating prices" or "fluctuating demand", where things are not static and change over time. This provides a more precise and vivid description compared to simpler terms like "changing".

Common error

Avoid using "fluctuating" to describe inherently static subjects. For example, saying "the building's fluctuating color" is incorrect unless the color actually changes over time. Use it primarily for things that naturally vary.

Linguistic Context

The word "fluctuating" functions primarily as a present participle or gerund, often acting as an adjective to describe nouns. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. Examples include "fluctuating prices" and "fluctuating demand".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fluctuating" is a versatile term used to describe something that changes or varies irregularly. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use and grammatical correctness. As seen in the provided examples from The Economist and The Guardian, the term commonly appears in contexts related to news, finance, and science. To ensure effective communication, use "fluctuating" to accurately represent dynamic processes and avoid applying it to inherently static subjects. Alternatives include "varying", "oscillating", and "wavering", each with slightly different nuances. Understanding these nuances enhances the precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

changing

This is a basic synonym, indicating a shift from one state to another.

varying

This term is a more general synonym, indicating change without necessarily implying oscillation.

oscillating

This suggests a regular back-and-forth movement or change.

wavering

This indicates instability or indecisiveness in the change.

erratic

This implies unpredictable and irregular changes.

unstable

This suggests a lack of fixity or reliability.

inconstant

This indicates a lack of steadfastness or reliability.

ebbing and flowing

Captures the cyclical increase and decrease of something.

undulating

Suggests a wavelike pattern of change.

yo-yoing

Refers to repetitive upward and downward swings.

FAQs

How is "fluctuating" used in a sentence?

The term "fluctuating" describes something that varies or changes irregularly. For example, "The company's profits were "fluctuating" due to market volatility."

What are some alternatives to the word "fluctuating"?

Alternatives to "fluctuating" include "varying", "oscillating", or "wavering", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "fluctuating prices" or "fluctuation prices"?

"Fluctuating prices" is correct. "Fluctuating" is the present participle of the verb "fluctuate" and acts as an adjective describing the prices. "Fluctuation" is a noun referring to the act of fluctuating.

What does it mean when someone says something is "fluctuating wildly"?

Saying something is "fluctuating wildly" means it is changing or varying in a very erratic, unpredictable, and significant manner.