mobility

American  

[moh-bil-i-tee] / moʊˈbɪl ɪ ti /

noun

1. the quality of being mobile.

2. Sociology. social mobility.

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mobility British  

/ məʊˈbɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. the ability to move physically

   a knee operation has restricted his mobility

   mobility is part of physical education

2. sociol (of individuals or social groups) movement within or between classes and occupations See also vertical mobility horizontal mobility

3. time that a resident of a secure unit is allowed to spend outside the unit, as preparation for an eventual return to society

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Other Word Forms

• intermobility noun
• nonmobility noun

Etymology

Origin of mobility

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English mobilite, from Latin mōbilitās. See mobile, -ity

Compare meaning

How does mobility compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• motility vs. mobility

Explanation

Mobility is the ability to move freely. If your basketball injury causes you to lose mobility in your knee, that means you can’t move it very well. Mobility often refers to whether you can move an injured body part, like a joint or a limb, but it can also describe movement in general. If you have great mobility on the tennis court, that means you move freely and easily, running down shots with ease. Mobility can also describe movement between different social or economic levels. Your fancy new job may offer opportunities for upward mobility.

Example Sentences

In March, the Conservative MP Charlie Dewhirst, who represents Bridlington and the Wolds, called on the government to publish a strategy to improve social mobility for young white men living in poorer communities.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Holmes, originally from Northern Ireland, has previously spoken about various health issues, including spinal surgery, a double hip replacement, and his struggles walking and using a mobility scooter.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

J.M.’s teacher told police that the boy is unable to use his legs from the knees down and that his only means of mobility is dragging or pulling himself up.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

But in my view, golfers get into trouble when they chase speed without building the physical foundation, mobility and movement control to tolerate it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

But the United States differs from Europe in ways that can gum up the mobility machine.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times

Related Words

• flexibility
• maneuverability