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.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonflexibility
  noun
• unflexibility
  noun
• hyperflexibility
  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. ); see flexible ( def. )

Compare meaning

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

• adaptability vs. flexibility

Explanation

If you twist your body into the shape of a pretzel, you are showing a lot of flexibility. Flexibility is the ability to bend or stretch. Lots of things can have flexibility. Pipe cleaners are designed for flexibility. A piece of software can boast flexibility when it can be used in different ways by different people. If you are really busy with school, sports and activities, your schedule won't have much flexibility. Please don't get fixed on one set idea — show a little flexibility and listen to others.

Example Sentences

"In particular, with conditions such as addiction and obsessive-compulsive disorder we see a difficulty in breaking habits and shifting behavior. So, understanding the mechanics of behavioral flexibility may one day help us develop better treatments."

From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 2026

OpenAI acknowledged the decision involved "a complicated set of tradeoffs" but said the filing preserves its flexibility.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

If your goal is broader — creating a small family nest egg that can be used for any purpose — a Roth IRA or taxable brokerage account offers more flexibility.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

Older parents tend to be more educated, federal data show, and many describe having more patience, flexibility and financial stability than they would have had a decade earlier.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

Thank you for applying for your new Argentis FreedomCard, the credit card that allows you the flexibility and spending power to pursue your dreams and plan for the future.

From "Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon

Related Words

• resilience