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

• 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

Alcaraz shares plenty of the same attributes -- daring, range, tactical flexibility, and style.

From Barron's

This gives it the flexibility to handle especially complicated cases, including higher-order topological defects where defects can merge, split apart, or rearrange themselves.

From Science Daily

But ministers now plan to give social landlords more time and greater flexibility to show they comply with new standards.

From BBC

Bichette isn’t the only recent player to choose the same route, valuing flexibility and earning potential over stability.

From The Wall Street Journal

It said it would consult on a new "framework" that would "give heads the flexibility to ensure pupils facing suspension for non-violent behaviour continue learning in a separate, supervised setting, away from other pupils".

From BBC

Related Words

• resilience