flexibility

[flek-suh-bil-i-tee]

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of flexibility¹

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

Example Sentences

If the committee projects flexibility and intent to act when clarity is restored, then the Fed might hold on to its credibility.

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In June, Rhode Island became the first state to mandate “reasonable” workplace accommodations for employees experiencing menopause-related symptoms, such as access to temperature-controlled workstations and flexibility for time off for doctor’s appointments.

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The ambiguity may be purposeful to give the Chinese side flexibility during negotiations with the U.S.

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If you expect to have trouble making payments on your housing, car, credit card, student loans or utilities, you can try to negotiate for some flexibility.

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Legislation that passed the Legislature unanimously aimed to give localities more flexibility to use state funds for such abstinence-focused projects.

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Related Words

• resilience