# fluctuate

**Pronunciation:** /ˈflʌktʃueɪt/ · FLUK-choo-ayt

**CEFR level:** B2

**Part of speech:** verb

## Meaning

To rise and fall irregularly in number or amount; to vary.

## Examples

- The stock market tends to fluctuate wildly during times of economic uncertainty.
- Her mood can fluctuate depending on how much sleep she's had.
- The price of gasoline continues to fluctuate, making it hard to budget for fuel.

## Synonyms

- vary — General term for change or difference.
- waver — Suggests indecision or unsteadiness, often in opinion or resolve.
- oscillate — Suggests a regular, rhythmic back-and-forth movement, often scientific.
- vacillate — To alternate or waver between different opinions or actions; indecisive.

## Antonyms

- stabilize — To become or make stable; to stop changing.
- remain constant — To stay the same without variation.

## Common patterns

- fluctuate between X and Y — To vary within a specific range. — The patient's blood pressure fluctuated between 120/80 and 140/90.
- fluctuate with — To change in relation to something else. — Energy demand often fluctuates with the seasons.

## Collocations

- fluctuate wildly — The exchange rate can fluctuate wildly in response to global events.
- fluctuate significantly — Company profits have fluctuated significantly over the last quarter.
- fluctuate between — Temperatures will fluctuate between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius today.

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