# flexible

/ˈfɫɛksəbəɫ/ (US) · /flˈɛksɪbəl/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. physically bendable

adjective · CEFR B1

able to bend easily without breaking.

For teachers: capable of being flexed, turned, or twisted without structural failure.

- The gymnast used a flexible mat to protect her joints during the routine.
- Modern aerospace engineering relies on flexible composite materials that can withstand significant aerodynamic pressure without fracturing.

### 2. adaptable to change

adjective · CEFR B2 · Academic

able to change or be changed easily to suit new situations.

For teachers: capable of being adapted or modified to meet varying conditions or requirements.

- My boss is very flexible about which hours I work as long as the job gets done.
- The software architecture was designed to be flexible, allowing developers to integrate third-party modules without rewriting the core codebase.

Teaching tip: This is the most common sense in professional and academic contexts, often describing schedules, plans, or mindsets.

### 3. easily influenced

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

willing to change your mind or do what others want.

For teachers: prone to yielding to the influence or will of others; not obstinate.

- He has a flexible personality and usually agrees with whatever the group decides.
- The negotiator was criticized for being too flexible on key policy points, leading to a compromise that satisfied neither party.

Teaching tip: In this sense, the word can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation, suggesting a lack of firm principles.

### 4. a flexible object

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

an object or material that is able to bend.

For teachers: a substance or structural element characterized by its ability to flex.

- The plumber replaced the rigid pipe with a plastic flexible to allow for movement.
- The specifications required the installation of high-grade flexibles to accommodate the thermal expansion of the industrial heating system.

Usage: Used primarily in engineering or manufacturing contexts.

## Examples

- The new plastic is very flexible and strong.
- My boss is quite flexible about my working hours as long as I finish my projects on time.
- Engineers selected a flexible composite material for the bridge joints to accommodate thermal expansion and seismic shifts without risking structural failure.

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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.