Word
elasticity
Phoneticselas·tic·i·ty
US/ˌiˌɫæsˈtɪsəti/
UK/ɪlɑːstˈɪsɪti/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the ability of something to stretch and then return to its original shape. It can also describe how much one thing changes when another thing changes, like how prices affect sales.
n. the ability of an object or material to resume its normal shape after being stretched or compressed. In broader contexts, it refers to the degree to which a variable changes in response to another variable.
Examples
“The rubber band lost its elasticity after being stretched too far.”
“Economists study the price elasticity of demand to see how much consumers change their habits when costs rise.”
“The structural integrity of the bridge depends on the elasticity of its steel cables, which must withstand significant tension without suffering permanent deformation or catastrophic failure.”
Examples
simple
“The rubber band lost its elasticity after being stretched too far.”
contextual
“Economists study the price elasticity of demand to see how much consumers change their habits when costs rise.”
complex
“The structural integrity of the bridge depends on the elasticity of its steel cables, which must withstand significant tension without suffering permanent deformation or catastrophic failure.”
Usage
Uncountable in its physical sense; often used with 'of' to describe a specific relationship in economics ('elasticity of demand').
Real-World Examples
“Together, these effects suggest that curcumin may help limit the structural and functional changes that gradually weaken blood vessels and reduce their elasticity.” “A sequel was financially inevitable (the original cost just $3m) but narratively questionable, given that the self-contained survival tale did not lend itself to the elasticity of a franchise.” Etymology
From elastic + -ity.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/elasticity