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

Example Sentences

The Sutton Trust, a charity that aims to improve social mobility and address educational disadvantage, said that gaining a degree from an elite university was the surest way to improve social mobility.

From BBC

The victims had distinct dietary patterns and signs of greater mobility and physiological strain, indicating they were likely outsiders rather than members of the local community.

From Science Daily

We are introduced to “clever women,” well-educated daughters and wives with no upward mobility and no chance at a public life, who turned their “restless intelligence” to medicine.

From The Wall Street Journal

Net banking income rose 1.6% on year to 6.725 billion euros, as gains in French retail banking and mobility and international businesses offset a decline in the global banking and investor solutions segment.

From The Wall Street Journal

"I'm really grateful. At least I have mobility issues. At least I have limbs," he reflects.

From BBC

Related Words

• flexibility
• maneuverability