flexibility

American  

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

noun

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

• 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. ); flexible ( def. )

Compare meaning

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

• adaptability vs. flexibility

Example Sentences

But schools have been given some flexibility over how they deal with issues such as children's names and uniforms.

From BBC

Crocs has also identified $100 million in cost savings this year aimed at boosting efficiency and providing the flexibility to continue to invest in its brands, he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

“They weren’t given any sort of election or flexibility on how they would repay so we’re trying to perfect it now.”

From Los Angeles Times

You have flexibility with your allocations, given your millions.

From MarketWatch

European companies tend to prioritize flexibility and target payout ratios of net income or cash flow.

From Barron's

Related Words

• resilience