flexibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flexibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability to adapt to new conditions or changes in plans. Example: "The flexibility of our work schedule allows employees to balance their personal and professional lives more effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Flexibility is as important as sustainability: Community-based healthcare systems must be flexible enough to meet the diverse and ever-changing needs of those in their areas, and the roles of community health workers will have to adapt accordingly.

The Guardian

Everything will be covered but there will be some flexibility in shifting things around according to the flow of the workshops and the needs of the students.

The Guardian

"We were very impressed by Piano's flexibility and their integration and implementation speed".

The Guardian

"Because patients are already living longer than two years with conventional treatment, we weren't able to apply the flexibility we can sometimes use when we appraise cancer drugs.

The Guardian

We need flexibility for the demographics of the workforce and to make sure the health service makes the most of all its staff.

The Guardian

The delayed effects of the major falls in the value of the pound from 2007-09 helpedelped offset the damage caused to the economy by his austerity policy: our overseas trading position would have been far worse without that flexibility.

The Guardian - Business

The flexibility in annuities is a welcome step, as is the Isa limit increase, but it remains the case that people are simply not saving enough from a young enough age.

The Guardian - Opinion

This book was first published in 2003, and 12 years later, in a world where flexibility, job satisfaction and wellbeing have come to the fore, much of it seems hugely old fashioned.

The Guardian

In a range of studies by organisations including IBM, Gerzema, Young & Rubicam, and Zenger and Folkman, senior executives around the world and across industries put qualities such as creativity, flexibility, empathy, patience, humility and balance right at the top of the list of crucial leadership characteristics for the future.

The Guardian

We must trust the clinical expertise that CCGs have and give local NHS leaders the space and flexibility to find local sustainable solutions that meet the needs of their communities.

The Guardian

One of the things I prize most about my work is the flexibility it gives me.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the importance of adaptability in a dynamic environment, use "flexibility" to highlight the capacity to adjust to unforeseen circumstances. For instance, "The company's success hinges on its flexibility to respond to market changes."

Common error

Avoid using "flexibility" as a general term without specifying what area or aspect it refers to. Instead of saying, "We need more flexibility", specify, "We need more flexibility in scheduling" or "We need more flexibility in our approach".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "flexibility" is as a noun. It represents the quality of being adaptable, pliable, or having a range of options. Ludwig examples show it being used to describe qualities of systems, individuals, and approaches, aligning with Ludwig AI stating the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flexibility" functions as a noun denoting adaptability and the availability of options. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English, supported by numerous examples from diverse contexts like news, business, and lifestyle. While versatile, specifying the area of "flexibility" enhances clarity. Semantically related terms include "adaptability" and "versatility", each with nuanced meanings. The word maintains a generally neutral tone, making it suitable for various registers. As seen in Ludwig, "flexibility" is frequently used in news and media contexts, underscoring its relevance in discussing current events and business strategies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adaptability

Focuses on the capacity to adjust to different conditions.

versatility

Highlights the ability to perform a variety of tasks effectively.

pliability

Emphasizes the quality of being easily bent or influenced.

elasticity

Suggests the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

openness

Implies a willingness to consider different ideas or options.

adjustability

Highlights the capability to be adjusted or modified.

responsiveness

Focuses on reacting quickly and positively to changes.

suppleness

Emphasizes gracefulness and ease of movement or adaptation.

fluidity

Highlights the characteristic of being smooth and adaptable, like a liquid.

leeway

Indicates the amount of freedom to move or act within certain constraints.

FAQs

How can I use "flexibility" in a sentence?

You can use "flexibility" to describe the ability to adapt to change, such as "The key to success in this industry is flexibility and innovation." It can also refer to having options, like "The company offers flexibility in terms of work hours".

What's a good alternative to the word "flexibility"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "adaptability", "versatility", or "pliability". Choose the word that best reflects the specific type of adaptability you're describing.

Is "flexibility" a formal or informal word?

"Flexibility" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. It's a versatile word that can be used in business, academic, and casual settings.

How does "flexibility" differ from "adaptability"?

"Flexibility" often refers to having options and being able to adjust plans easily. "Adaptability", on the other hand, emphasizes the capacity to adjust to different conditions and environments. While similar, "adaptability" often implies a more profound and comprehensive adjustment.