flexibility

American  

[flek-suh-bil-i-tee] / ˌflɛk səˈbɪl ɪ ti /

noun

flexibilities plural

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

• hyperflexibility
  noun
• nonflexibility
  noun
• unflexibility
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• flexibilities
  plural

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

“Cursor, given its flexibility to switch underlying models, offers technical developers more options in terms of how to work with their code,” Bala said.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 19, 2026

As a result, manufacturers would have more flexibility to remove the top sulfur layer cleanly while preserving the rest of the material.

From Science Daily • Jun. 17, 2026

The policy, due for full rollout by Jan. 1, 2027, could reduce pricing flexibility and control over export proceeds, although companies with strong balance sheets or diversified operations may be better positioned, it says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 15, 2026

The workout builds strength and flexibility while improving balance and coordination, said instructor Leah Gutentag, who’s been a lifeguard and swim instructor for the city of Santa Monica for about 12 years.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 15, 2026

Traditionally, contortionists are either front bending or back bending, depending on the flexibility of their respective spines, and their tricks and performances are based upon this distinction.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern

Related Words

• resilience