Word
flexibility
Phoneticsflex·i·bil·i·ty, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌfɫɛksəˈbɪɫəti/
UK/flˌɛksɪbˈɪlɪti/
Definitions
01physical bending
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the ability of an object or body part to bend easily without breaking.
n. the physical property of being easily bent or shaped; pliancy. Often used in reference to human anatomy and range of motion.
“Daily stretching exercises can help improve the flexibility of your muscles.”
“The gymnast's extraordinary flexibility allowed her to execute movements that seemed to defy the natural constraints of human anatomy.”
Synonyms
02adapting to change
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the ability to change your plans or way of working to suit a new situation.
n. the capacity to adapt to new, different, or changing requirements. Often used in professional contexts regarding scheduling or strategy.
“My boss allows a lot of flexibility with my working hours so I can pick up my kids.”
“The modern workforce increasingly demands greater flexibility, as employees seek to balance professional responsibilities with personal commitments through remote work options.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “flexibility” in context.
Verb
01. allow flexibility
“The new contract is designed to allow flexibility in working hours for all staff members.”
verb + noun
02. give flexibility
“Remote work options give employees the flexibility they need to balance their personal lives.”
verb + noun
03. increase flexibility
“Regular stretching exercises will help to increase flexibility and prevent sports injuries.”
verb + noun
04. offer flexibility
“Modern software solutions offer the flexibility to customize features according to user needs.”
verb + noun
05. provide flexibility
“The modular design of the building provides flexibility for future expansions.”
verb + noun
Real-World Examples
“Yoga can also help strengthen the muscles around your joints and improve your overall flexibility.” “So that would give Maresca some flexibility when naming a team - and means Anderson and Fernandez would be capable of playing together.” Etymology
From French flexibilité, from Late Latin flexibilitās, from Latin flectō (“I bend, curve”). Equivalent to flexible + -ity = flex + -ibility.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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