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.
In fact, FS KKR is seeking shareholder approval at its June annual meeting to sell shares below NAV “in order to provide flexibility for future sales.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026
It accounts for a smaller share of each barrel of oil than gasoline or diesel, and refineries have limited flexibility to quickly boost output.
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
Natural England's Neil Constable said it would be "challenging" to keep the whole route open, but that there was more flexibility to amend the route of the King's path than a standard public footpath.
From BBC • Apr. 20, 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
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.
