flexible

[flek-suh-buhl]

adjective

1. capable of being bent, usually without breaking; easily bent.

   a flexible ruler.

   Synonyms: supple, elastic, pliable
   Antonyms: stiff

2. susceptible of modification or adaptation; adaptable.

   a flexible schedule.

   Synonyms: compliant, tractable
   Antonyms: rigid

3. willing or disposed to yield; pliable.

   a flexible personality.

noun

1. a flexible substance or material, as rubber or leather.

flexible

/ ˈflɛksɪbəl /

adjective

1. Also: flexile. able to be bent easily without breaking; pliable

2. adaptable or variable

   flexible working hours

3. able to be persuaded easily; tractable

Other Word Forms

• flexibly adverb
• flexibility noun
• flexibleness noun
• hyperflexible adjective
• hyperflexibleness noun
• hyperflexibly adverb
• nonflexible adjective
• nonflexibleness noun
• nonflexibly adverb
• unflexible adjective
• unflexibly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of flexible¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin flexibilis “pliant, easily bent”; flex ¹, -ible

Synonym Study

Flexible, limber, pliant refer to that which bends easily. Flexible refers to that which is capable of being bent and adds sometimes the idea of compressibility or expansibility: a flexible piece of rubber hose. Limber is especially applied to the body to refer to ease of movement; it resembles flexible except that there is an idea of even greater ease in bending: a limber dancer. Pliant stresses an inherent quality or tendency to bend that does not require force or pressure from the outside; it may mean merely adaptable or may have a derogatory sense: a pliant character.

Example Sentences

Once a luxury reserved for big manufacturers, smaller, smarter, more flexible and less expensive “cobots”—collaborative robots—are bringing automation to every fabricator, no matter the size.

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He also has to be quick, flexible, and able to change direction on a dime while keeping his balance.

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Riccardo Frizza’s fluid conducting drew out the score’s long bel canto lines and limned its propulsive rhythmic structure, and his flexible support of the singers made every aria and ensemble breathe and soar.

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Some companies have also stepped up in-office requirements, resulting in some workers leaving their jobs for more flexible employment.

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The restrictions have meant Boeing can’t be as flexible with delivering planes to customers, having to work on government employees’ workday schedules to get approvals.

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Related Words

• malleable 
• soft