verb · formal
fluctuate
/ˈflʌktʃueɪt/FLUC·tu·ate
task1
to change frequently in amount or level, up and down
Examples
“Exchange rates fluctuated throughout the year, making forecasting difficult.”
“Temperature tended to fluctuate in spring.”
“Oil prices fluctuated between $40 and $60 per barrel.”
Band 8 sentence
“Throughout the decade, unemployment rates fluctuated markedly, oscillating between tight labour markets and sudden spikes during economic shocks.”
Collocations
- fluctuate between ... and ...
- fluctuate around (a level)
Word family
fluctuation nounfluctuating adj / verb (present participle)
Common mistakes
fluctuate on 1,000→fluctuate around 1,000 / fluctuate between 900 and 1,100
there are many fluctuation→there are many fluctuations
Say it for a higher band
5go up and down→6vary→7+fluctuate
Synonyms
vary
oscillate
Easily confused
vary
“Prices vary depending on season and demand.”
Related words
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In Overall trends
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