agility

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "agility" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a person's quickness of body or mind. For example, "The agility of the ninja allowed him to dodge the attacker's blows."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The 27-year-old had shown the kind of agility that had once seen him designated as Oliver Kahn's long-term successor in the Germany goal.

The Guardian - Sport

Take the best bits of Yaya Sanogo and Olivier Giroud – pace and agility; decent all-round finishing – slather them together with papier-mache and chicken wire and you might get something that looks a bit like a Danny Welbeck, a player who will run and finish at least some of the time, rather than doing only one of these all of the time.

The Guardian - Sport

A firm anti-Stalinist, Burlatsky had the intellectual agility to create a usable "Lenin" for reformers.

The Guardian

"The flexibility and agility for a fast, hands-on emergency response still does not sufficiently exist in the global health and aid systems," says Joanne Liu, president of MSF.

The Guardian

The government's failure to provide security or prosperity only adds to this sense of dependence on an underworld that relies on both barbaric violence and managerial agility to adapt to new market conditions.

The Guardian

In tennis, with notable exceptions such as Boris Becker or Patrick Rafter, big players find it harder to bend down for the volley; in the confined quarters of a squash court, tall players may trip over their own feet; on the badminton court it is agility and speed that count, hence the supremacy of the Chinese and Indonesians.

The Economist

In 2011, amid uncertainty about America's recovery and fears about the euro zone, investors valued the safety provided by sheer size; now they prize the agility needed to fend off nimble startups.

The Economist

But this canine apartheid is starting to relax.Mixed-breeds, euphemistically known as "All-Americans", were invited to enter the inaugural agility championship, making this year the first time they have taken part at Westminster since the show began in 1884.

The Economist

As a result, the vehicle now has far more primary safety (the agility, stability and stopping power needed to avoid accidents) than the vast majority of modern cars.

The Economist

Over the past five months, King Abdullah II, who was appointed heir to the throne less than a week before his father died, has adapted to his new circumstances with surprising agility.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Their difficulties are related less to limitations of technology or creativity, and more to organisational agility or, rather, to the lack of it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing business strategy, use "agility" to emphasize a company's ability to quickly respond to market changes. This suggests a proactive and adaptable approach.

Common error

Avoid using "agility" as a vague or generic term to describe a company's attributes. Always provide specific examples of how the company demonstrates "agility" in its operations or decision-making processes.

Linguistic Context

The word "agility" primarily functions as a noun, denoting the quality of being agile, encompassing both physical and mental quickness and adaptability. Ludwig AI confirms that "agility" is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

31%

Science

31%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "agility" is a versatile noun signifying the quality of being agile, encompassing quickness, nimbleness, and adaptability. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically correct and widely used in English. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, from describing physical prowess to strategic business approaches. The term is particularly prevalent in "News & Media", "Formal & Business", and "Science" contexts. When using "agility", ensure it's supported by concrete examples to avoid vagueness. While similar to terms like "flexibility" and "adaptability", "agility" often emphasizes swiftness and ease of movement or thought. Several authoritative sources such as The Economist, The Guardian, and The New York Times frequently employ the term, solidifying its reputable and commonplace usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nimbleness

Focuses on physical dexterity and grace in movement.

quickness

Emphasizes speed and rapidity in action or thought.

adaptability

Highlights the capacity to adjust to new conditions.

flexibility

Stresses the ability to bend and change without breaking.

dexterity

Implies skill and precision, especially with the hands.

resourcefulness

Focuses on the ability to find clever ways to overcome difficulties.

responsiveness

Highlights the ability to react quickly and appropriately.

efficiency

Emphasizes minimizing wasted time and resources.

fluidity

Suggests a smooth and effortless quality in movement or operation.

sharpness

Refers to mental quickness and keenness.

FAQs

How can I use "agility" in a sentence?

You can use "agility" to describe someone's quickness of movement, for example, "The cat's "agility" allowed it to jump over the fence". It can also refer to the ability to think and understand quickly, as in, "Her mental "agility" helped her solve the problem quickly".

What's the difference between "agility" and "flexibility"?

"Agility" often refers to the ability to move quickly and easily, while "flexibility" relates more to the ability to bend or adapt to different situations. However, in many cases, they can be used interchangeably.

What are some synonyms for "agility"?

Some synonyms for "agility" include "nimbleness", "quickness", "adaptability", and "dexterity". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How is "agility" important in business?

In business, "agility" is crucial for adapting to changing market conditions and customer needs. Companies that demonstrate "agility" can quickly respond to new opportunities and challenges, giving them a competitive edge. Having "responsiveness" is key.