# agile

/ˈædʒəɫ/ (US) · /ˈædʒaɪl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/agile
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. moving quickly and easily

adjective · CEFR B2

able to move your body quickly and easily.

For teachers: characterised by physical dexterity, grace, and the ability to move with speed and ease.

- The agile cat jumped from the floor to the top of the high shelf.
- Despite his age, the mountain guide remained remarkably agile, navigating the rocky terrain with effortless precision.

### 2. software/project management

adjective · CEFR B2 · Technical

using a way of working that breaks a big project into small parts so you can make changes quickly.

For teachers: relating to a methodology of project management, especially in software, characterised by the division of tasks into short phases and frequent reassessment.

- Our team uses agile methods to finish software updates every two weeks.
- Adopting an agile approach allowed the development team to respond to user feedback in real-time rather than waiting for a final release.

Usage: Often capitalised as 'Agile' when referring to the specific methodology.

Teaching tip: In business contexts, this is often contrasted with 'Waterfall' project management.

### 3. the methodology

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical · Academic

the name for a fast, flexible way of managing projects.

For teachers: the philosophy or practice of agile software development.

- The company decided to switch to agile to improve their productivity.
- The transition to agile required a complete shift in the department's culture and communication style.

Usage: Used as an uncountable noun to describe the system itself.

Teaching tip: This noun use is common in corporate environments but less frequent in general conversation.

## Examples

- The cat is agile and jumps high.
- She remained agile on the ice despite the cold wind.
- The company adopted an agile framework to respond faster to shifting market demands.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.