flexibility

American  

[flek-suh-bil-i-tee] / ˌflɛk səˈbɪl ɪ ti /

noun

1. the ability to bend easily or without breaking.

   The shoe soles are made from elastic materials to provide perfect flexibility.

2. the quality of being easily adapted or of offering many different options.

   This blogging platform is becoming more and more popular because of its flexibility, power, and simplicity.

3. the ability and willingness to adjust one’s thinking or behavior.

   Being a resilient parent is all about flexibility.

---

Other Word Forms

• hyperflexibility noun
• nonflexibility noun
• unflexibility noun

Etymology

Origin of flexibility

First recorded in 1610–20; from Latin flexibilitāt-, stem of flexibilitās, equivalent to flexibili(s) “pliant, easily bent” + -tās -ty ² ( def. ); flexible ( def. )

Compare meaning

How does flexibility compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• adaptability vs. flexibility

Example Sentences

As return-to-office expectations for employees ramp up, “Less flexibility means fewer ways to offset rising costs.”

From MarketWatch

Some parents are hesitant to lock money into college-savings accounts, preferring financial flexibility in an uncertain world.

From The Wall Street Journal

By freeing up capital previously dedicated to land ownership, the company has improved operational flexibility, reduced costs and cycle times and boosted returns on inventory and equity, while also minimizing risk, the company says.

From The Wall Street Journal

One of the most promising aspects of perovskites is their flexibility.

From Science Daily

What his family loses in tax benefits they gain in flexibility.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• resilience