mobility

/moʊˈbɪlɪti/

What does "mobility" mean?

ability to move

The city’s public transport improves mobility for its residents.

The public transport makes it easier for people to get around.

How to use "mobility" correctly?

formal

the ability to move or be moved freely and easily

Improving pedestrian mobility is a key goal of urban planners.

Urban planners aim to make it easier for people to walk around.

Often used for both physical movement and social/economic movement.

Collocations

social mobilitythe ability of individuals or groups to move up or down the social hierarchymobility aiddevice that helps a person move, such as a wheelchair or canemobility solutiona method or service that enhances movement, often in transportation contexts

movement of individuals or groups within a social hierarchy

mobility as a service (MaaS)phrase

integrated transportation services offered on demand

Pro Tip

Context Matters

Remember that ‘mobility’ can refer to physical movement, transportation systems, or the ability to change social/economic status.

Gold Rule

Choose the Right Noun

Use ‘mobility’ for broad, systemic or abstract movement; use ‘movement’ for specific, concrete actions.

Word Origin

From Latin mobilitas, from mobilis ‘movable’, derived from move.

Usage Notes

Use ‘mobility’ for abstract or collective movement (e.g., social mobility, transport mobility). For concrete, single‑object movement, ‘movement’ is more natural.

Word Breakdown

mob-

move

root

-ility

state or quality of

suffix

English Dictionary

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