fluctuar
verbCEFR B2
What does “fluctuar” mean in English?
to fluctuate, to vary irregularly
to fluctuate, to vary irregularly (economics and data; fluctuar en función de / entre; irregular unpredictable variation)
Example sentences
El tipo de cambio ha fluctuado considerablemente en las últimas semanas debido a la inestabilidad política.
The exchange rate has fluctuated considerably in recent weeks due to political instability.
La asistencia a los eventos culturales fluctúa en función de la época del año y de la agenda de actividades.
Attendance at cultural events fluctuates depending on the time of year and the programme of activities.
Los precios del gas natural fluctúan entre extremos muy amplios según la situación geopolítica global.
Natural gas prices fluctuate between very wide extremes depending on the global geopolitical situation.
How to use it
Fluctuar means 'to fluctuate' or 'to vary irregularly'. It is intransitive. At B2 it is used in economics, data analysis, and formal description of change: los precios fluctúan, la demanda fluctúa. It often collocates with en función de (depending on) or entre (between). The noun is la fluctuación. Don't confuse with oscilar (to oscillate — implies regular back-and-forth movement, often used for statistics) or variar (to vary — neutral and broader). Fluctuar implies irregular, unpredictable variation, often in markets or indicators.
Common mistake
Fluctuar implies irregular, unpredictable variation — not the same as oscilar (regular, back-and-forth oscillation) or variar (neutral change). In economics and data registers, fluctuar is the standard term for market volatility. The noun fluctuación is used in official reports and academic writing — learn it alongside the verb.