# flexibility

/ˌfɫɛksəˈbɪɫəti/ (US) · /flˌɛksɪbˈɪlɪti/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/flexibility
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. physical bending

noun · CEFR B2

the ability of an object or body part to bend easily without breaking.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. adapting to change

noun · CEFR B2

the ability to change your plans or way of working to suit a new situation.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The new job offers more flexibility with my working hours.
- The manager showed great flexibility by allowing the team to work from home during the office renovations.
- While physical flexibility can be improved through consistent stretching, cognitive flexibility requires a conscious effort to abandon established mental patterns in favor of novel problem-solving strategies.

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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.