flexibility

/flɛksɪˈbɪləti/
nounIntermediate
general

The quality of being easily bent or adapted without breaking

The material's flexibility makes it ideal for outdoor gear.

The material can bend and adapt without breaking, which is useful for outdoor equipment.

💡

Often used to describe physical materials or abstract concepts that can adapt to change.

general

The ability to adjust to new conditions or situations

Flexibility in scheduling allows employees to balance work and personal life.

Adjustable work hours help employees manage their time effectively.

💡

Commonly used in workplaces to describe adaptable policies or schedules.

Collocations

flexibility in schedulingadjustable work hoursflexibility of thoughtability to consider different perspectivesflexibility trainingexercises to improve physical adaptability

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

bend over backwardsidiom
to make a great effort to help someone
go with the flowidiom
to adapt to circumstances without resistance

💡Pro Tip

Physical vs. Abstract Flexibility

Flexibility can describe both physical materials (e.g., rubber) and abstract concepts (e.g., work schedules).

Gold Rule

Avoid Overuse

While flexibility is valuable, excessive flexibility can lead to inconsistency or lack of structure.

📖Word Origin

From Latin 'flexibilitas', meaning 'ability to bend', derived from 'flexibilis' (bendable).

📝Usage Notes

Flexibility can refer to physical properties (e.g., materials) or abstract adaptability (e.g., schedules, thinking).

Word Breakdown

flex
to bend
root
+
-ible
able to be
suffix
+
-ity
quality of
suffix
English Dictionary