nimble

USAGE SUMMARY

'nimble' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone or something that moves or acts quickly, easily, and lightly. Example: The acrobat was able to perform difficult moves with surprising nimbleness.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A simple timber box, it showed how the rambling concrete terraces of the Southbank Centre can be enlivened with nimble intervention – proving they don't really need to be smothered with giant glass containers of shops and restaurants.

The Guardian - Arts

The app would then function as both journey planner and universal payment platform, knitting everything from driverless cars and nimble little buses to shared bikes and ferries into a single, supple mesh of mobility.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, the teams from 8 out of 10 Cats will swap their comedy answers for nimble letter-arranging and the fiendish number round on Countdown, and the Channel 4 News presenters will attempt to give Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall a run for his money as they take over the River Cottage kitchen.

The Guardian

The few times he does agree to pass the ball back it feels like a damp squib – he isn't nimble at 74.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He planned to be a professional pianist – nimble and improvisational like his hero, 40s jazz man Art Tatum – and enrolled to study music at Goldsmiths University in south London.

The Guardian - Music

We need to do less in certain areas and more in others, we need to be much more nimble, and we need to reshape our teams.

The Guardian

Its players boast a nimble, sure-footed confidence too consistently applied across every section of the ground as to be coincidental.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr Turner has been a long-cherished passion project for Leigh, though he keeps his film nimble and gritty, with a keen eye for the everyday details and gouache beneath its fingernails.

The Guardian - Film

Instead, it was fast-tracked by a nimble, independent team of "very young executives, as a skunkworks project," says the company.

The New York Times - Tech

His speed, poise, savvy defending and nimble attacking (but not goal-scoring) suggested a long and successful career at the top.

The Guardian - Sport

I don't need to lean in because usually gravity takes you enough, but I'm not leaning back, and I don't put on the brakes – I'm always trying to be on the forefoot, being as nimble as possible.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nimble" when you want to convey a sense of quickness, lightness, and ease in movement or action, or when describing someone with a sharp, quick-witted mind. Consider the context and choose a synonym if a more specific meaning is intended.

Common error

Avoid using "nimble" interchangeably with adjectives like "agile" or "quick" without considering the subtle differences in meaning. "Nimble" emphasizes ease and grace, while "quick" simply denotes speed.

Linguistic Context

The word "nimble" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe their qualities of being quick, light, and skillful in movement or thought. As illustrated by Ludwig's examples, it enhances descriptions across various contexts, indicating both physical and mental dexterity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nimble" is a versatile adjective that signifies quickness, agility, and skill, applicable to both physical and mental attributes. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and very common in English writing, particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts. When using "nimble", consider the subtle differences between it and similar adjectives like "agile" or "quick" to ensure the most precise meaning. Avoid confusing it with "supple", which primarily describes flexibility. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "nimble" into your writing to convey a sense of ease, grace, and efficiency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

agile

Synonymous, but often emphasizes physical dexterity and ease of movement.

quick

Focuses on speed and rapidity in action or thought.

swift

Implies rapid movement or execution, often with a sense of elegance.

adept

Highlights skill and proficiency, suggesting a natural talent for something.

skillful

Emphasizes expertise and mastery in a particular area.

dexterous

Primarily refers to physical skill, especially with the hands.

alert

Stresses attentiveness and readiness to respond to situations.

resourceful

Highlights the ability to find clever ways to overcome difficulties.

adaptable

Focuses on the capacity to adjust to new conditions or circumstances.

fleet-footed

Specifically describes someone who runs quickly and lightly.

FAQs

How can I use "nimble" in a sentence?

You can use "nimble" to describe someone or something that is quick and light in movement, such as "The dancer was incredibly "agile" and "fleet-footed"," or to describe someone who is quick-witted and clever, such as "She has a "sharp" and "alert" mind".

What are some synonyms for "nimble"?

Some synonyms for "nimble" include "agile", "quick", "swift", "dexterous", "adept", and "skillful". The best choice will depend on the specific context.

Is it better to describe a business as "nimble" or "agile"?

Both "nimble" and "agile" can be used to describe a business, but "agile" is often preferred in modern business contexts because it specifically connotes the ability to respond quickly to changes and adapt to new situations. "Nimble" implies quickness and ease, which can also be desirable qualities.

What is the difference between "nimble" and "supple"?

"Nimble" typically refers to quickness and agility in movement or thought, while "supple" describes something that is flexible and pliant. While there can be overlap, "supple" is more often used to describe physical flexibility, whereas "nimble" can apply to both physical and mental agility.