collapsible: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to formal; common in technical, commercial, and descriptive contexts.
Quick answer
What does “collapsible” mean?
Designed to fold down or be compressed into a smaller, more compact form, typically for ease of storage or transport.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Designed to fold down or be compressed into a smaller, more compact form, typically for ease of storage or transport.
Capable of being reduced in size, volume, or structure, often through a folding or telescoping mechanism; figuratively, something that is liable to fail or give way suddenly.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent. The word 'foldable' is a more common everyday synonym in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral, with a slight technical or marketing flavour (e.g., in product descriptions).
Frequency
Equally used in both UK and US English, with comparable frequency in similar contexts (travel, furniture, engineering).
Grammar
How to Use “collapsible” in a Sentence
[be] + collapsible[make/design/engineer] + object + collapsiblecollapsible + nounVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “collapsible” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The engineers had to collapsible the prototype for transport. (Note: this verb use is rare/technical)
American English
- The team worked to collapsible the antenna array. (Rare/technical)
adverb
British English
- Not standard.
American English
- Not standard.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in product design, marketing, and logistics (e.g., 'collapsible packaging reduces shipping costs').
Academic
Found in engineering, design, and materials science texts describing mechanisms or properties.
Everyday
Common when discussing furniture (chairs, tables), travel gear (strollers, bikes), and camping equipment.
Technical
Precise term in mechanical engineering, emergency equipment (stretchers), and space technology (collapsible solar panels).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “collapsible”
- Misspelling as 'collapsable' (though this variant exists, 'collapsible' is standard). Using it to mean 'fragile' or 'breakable' rather than 'designed to fold'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are very close synonyms. 'Collapsible' often implies a more complex or multi-part folding mechanism (e.g., telescoping legs), while 'foldable' is more general.
Rarely. It is primarily a physical property. In UI design, you might see 'collapsible menu' meaning a menu that can be hidden/expanded, which is an extension of the core meaning.
There is no direct noun. You use 'collapsibility' for the property, or refer to the item itself (e.g., 'a collapsible').
The standard spelling is 'collapsible' (with -ible). 'Collapsable' (with -able) is a less common variant and may be considered a misspelling in formal contexts.
Designed to fold down or be compressed into a smaller, more compact form, typically for ease of storage or transport.
Collapsible is usually neutral to formal; common in technical, commercial, and descriptive contexts. in register.
Collapsible: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈlapsəb(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈlæpsəbəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms specifically with 'collapsible'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COLLAPSE + ABLE. If something is 'able to collapse' on purpose, it's collapsible.
Conceptual Metaphor
FLEXIBILITY IS COLLAPSIBILITY (a designed, controlled form of yielding).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT typically described as 'collapsible'?