ˈvɑl.ə.tl̩ ˈvɒl.əˌtaɪ.(ə)l ˈvɑl.ə.tl̩ ˈvɒl.əˌtaɪ.(ə)l tending to vary often or widely volatile stocks volatile emotions marked by erratic changeableness in affections or attachments fickle friends a flirt's volatile affections liable to lead to sudden change or violence an explosive issue a volatile situation with troops and rioters eager for a confrontation evaporating readily at normal temperatures and pressures volatile oils volatile solvents a volatile substance; a substance that changes readily from solid or liquid to a vapor it was heated to evaporate the volatiles