flexibility
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the ability of an object or body part to bend easily without breaking.
the physical property of being easily bent or shaped; pliancy. Often used in reference to human anatomy and range of motion.
Simple“Daily stretching exercises can help improve the flexibility of your muscles.”
In context“The gymnast's extraordinary flexibility allowed her to execute movements that seemed to defy the natural constraints of human anatomy.”
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
the ability to change your plans or way of working to suit a new situation.
the capacity to adapt to new, different, or changing requirements. Often used in professional contexts regarding scheduling or strategy.
Simple“My boss allows a lot of flexibility with my working hours so I can pick up my kids.”
In context“The modern workforce increasingly demands greater flexibility, as employees seek to balance professional responsibilities with personal commitments through remote work options.”
SynonymsAntonymsinflexibilitystubbornness
Usage allow flexibility · give flexibility · increase flexibility
“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.”
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.