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. ); see 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.
IRA accounts have a limit on contributions, so it may be that your RIA had more flexibility using taxable accounts for options trading.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026
Where they differ is on how much economic flexibility the country gets in any peace deal with the U.S.
From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026
The credit-rating firm S&P Global said in a March 6 report that the U.A.E’s “substantial fiscal, economic, external, and policy flexibility will act as an effective buffer” against the war’s economic effects.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026
She added it remained "perfectly reasonable" to book overseas holidays, but stressed the key was to prioritise consumer protection and trip flexibility.
From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026
Perhaps the supreme example of Jefferson’s greater flexibility occurred on the foreign policy front.
From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis
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.
