flexibility
UK: /ˌflɛksɪˈbɪlɪti/ | US: /ˌflɛksəˈbɪləti/
n. the quality of being easily bent or shaped without breaking
n. the ability to adapt to new circumstances or changes
n. (in physics) the property of a material to deform under stress and return to its original shape
The word "flexibility" originates from the Latin root flectere (to bend), which evolved into the English morpheme "flex." The suffix "-ibility" derives from Latin -ibilitas, indicating the capacity or quality of the root action. Together, they form a noun describing the physical or metaphorical capacity to bend or adapt. The term reflects a logical progression from literal bending (e.g., flexible materials) to abstract adaptability (e.g., flexible thinking).
Yoga improves both physical flexibility and mental relaxation.
The company values flexibility in work hours to accommodate employees' needs.
Rubber bands lose their flexibility over time.
Her flexibility in negotiations helped close the deal smoothly.
The software's flexibility allows users to customize features easily.