Definition of FLUCTUATE

fluctuate

Verb

  • cause to fluctuate or move in a wavelike pattern
  • move or sway in a rising and falling or wavelike pattern
  • be unstable
    • "The stock market fluctuates"
  • To vary irregularly; to swing.
  • To undulate.
  • To be irresolute; to waver.
  • To cause to vary irregularly.
  • To rise and fall as a wave; to be tossed up and down the waves.

Adj

  • Tossed up and down the waves.
  • Wavering, fickle.

Examples

  • I fluctuated between wishing he was back home and wishing I'd never met him.

Origin / Etymology

First attested in the 1630'; borrowed from Latin flūctuātus, perfect passive participle of flūctuō (“(of the sea) to surge, swell; (of man) to waver, fluctuate”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and -ate (adjective-forming suffix).

Synonyms

vacillate, waver

Scrabble Score: 14

fluctuate: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
fluctuate: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
fluctuate: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 18

fluctuate: valid Words With Friends Word