flexibility
HighFormal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
The ability to be easily bent or changed without breaking.
The quality of being adaptable and willing to change according to circumstances, or the capacity of a system to be used in various ways.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The core physical sense is less common than the abstract, metaphorical sense of adaptability. In some contexts (e.g., computing, engineering), it has a technical meaning denoting a system's capacity for variation or modification.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major semantic or usage differences. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Slightly higher frequency in American business/corporate jargon (e.g., 'workforce flexibility').
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties, with near-identical distribution across contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
flexibility of [NOUN]flexibility in [DOING something]flexibility to [DO something]flexibility for [PURPOSE]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “build in flexibility”
- “bend over backwards (idiom related to the concept)”
- “give and take (related concept)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Referring to adaptable work arrangements, contracts, or business models (e.g., 'remote work offers greater flexibility').
Academic
Describing adaptable methodologies, theoretical frameworks, or cognitive abilities (e.g., 'cognitive flexibility in problem-solving').
Everyday
Used for schedules, plans, or physical ability (e.g., 'I need some flexibility with the pickup time').
Technical
In engineering/materials: a material's ability to deform; in computing: a system's configurability.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The new software is designed to flexibly accommodate various user needs.
- We need to flex our plans to suit the client's timetable.
American English
- The schedule can flex to meet demand.
- We flexed our approach based on the feedback.
adverb
British English
- The team worked flexibly to meet the deadline.
- Rules can be applied more flexibly in certain cases.
American English
- We can schedule that meeting flexibly.
- The policy is interpreted flexibly across states.
adjective
British English
- She has a very flexible approach to management.
- We offer flexible working hours.
American English
- We need a flexible spending plan.
- The material is highly flexible and durable.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Yoga helps your body's flexibility.
- My work schedule has some flexibility.
- The teacher showed flexibility by changing the test date.
- This material has a lot of flexibility; you can bend it easily.
- The contract's flexibility allowed for renegotiation after the first year.
- Mental flexibility is crucial for learning a new language.
- The treaty's inherent flexibility enabled it to remain relevant despite geopolitical shifts.
- Critics argued that excessive regulatory flexibility could undermine the policy's core objectives.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a FLEXible ruler – it can BEND to different shapes. FLEXibility is the quality of being able to bend or adapt.
Conceptual Metaphor
ADAPTABILITY IS PHYSICAL FLEXIBILITY / RIGIDITY IS BRITTLENESS (A flexible mind, unlike a rigid one, won't 'snap' under pressure).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation with 'гибкость' when referring only to physical bending. 'Adaptability' might be better for abstract sense. 'Flexibility' is broader than 'пластичность'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing with 'elasticity' (which implies returning to original shape). Using 'flexibility' for 'indecisiveness' (negative connotation is usually incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'flexibility' LEAST likely to be used in its core physical sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Mostly yes, but in some technical or legal contexts, too much flexibility can imply a lack of structure, precision, or stability.
Flexibility is the ability to bend/deform without breaking. Elasticity specifically implies the ability to return to the original shape after deformation (like a rubber band).
Yes, very commonly. It describes a person's willingness and ability to adapt their behaviour, schedule, or opinions.
Inflexibility, rigidity, or stubbornness. In a material, it would be rigidity or brittleness.
Collections
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Leadership and Management
B2 · 46 words · Language for leading teams and managing organizations.
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