flexibility
Americannoun
-
the ability to bend easily or without breaking.
The shoe soles are made from elastic materials to provide perfect flexibility.
-
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.
-
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:
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.
Vocabulary lists containing flexibility
Physical Education - Introductory
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Vocabulary from President Trump's First Address to Congress
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Structure and Properties of Matter - Middle School
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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.
Now, his narrow majority—174 out of 343 lawmakers—will give Carney crucial flexibility in pursuing his policy agenda, which is focused on rebuilding an economy that became too complacent in relying on trade with the U.S.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026
“Partnering with AIP will better enable us to build on our progress, advance our innovation roadmap, and strengthen our competitive position with enhanced flexibility and resources.”
From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026
This setup demonstrated the flexibility of ReA for producing and studying rare isotopes.
From Science Daily • Apr. 14, 2026
ACI Europe and A4E insist greater flexibility is needed ahead of the peak summer months.
From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026
Changing economics and demographics require flexibility and adaptability.
From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
