portability

American

[pawr-tuh-bil-i-tee, pohr-] / ˌpɔr təˈbɪl ɪ ti, ˌpoʊr- /

noun

plural

portabilities

the state or quality of being portable.
a plan or system under which employees may accumulate pension rights under any employer who is a participant in the plan negotiated with their union.

Other Word Forms

nonportability noun

Etymology

Origin of portability

First recorded in 1965–70; port(able) + -ability

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Galaxy Z TriFold delivers the “perfect balance between portability, premium performance and productivity all in one device,” said Samsung co-CEO Roh Tae-moon, who heads the firm’s consumer electronics division.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 2, 2025

There are problems with holding silver bags and other physical silver investments even with the run-up in price including weight, portability and storage costs.

From Barron's • Oct. 20, 2025

The EPA’s Maui method will be used increasingly as Americans rely more heavily on cordless devices, Glenn said, adding : “We love portability, we love being untethered.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2025

Designed for portability, it attaches to your suitcase and doubles as a lighted makeup mirror.

From Salon • Dec. 16, 2024

Now saw each rod into four pieces of 15 in. long, or, for greater strength, but less portability, into three 20 in. pieces.

From Practical Taxidermy A manual of instruction to the amateur in collecting, preserving, and setting up natural history specimens of all kinds. To which is added a chapter upon the pictorial arrangement of museums. With additional instructions in modelling and artistic taxidermy. by Browne, Montagu

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023