flexible
FLEHK-sih-buhl
Flexible (adj) means Able to bend easily without breaking. Example: “Thin wire is flexible, so you can bend it into any shape.”
adj
1
Able to bend easily without breaking.
"Thin wire is flexible, so you can bend it into any shape."
"These rubber boots are flexible enough to walk in comfortably."
"The gymnast's body was remarkably flexible."
2
Able to adapt or change readily to new conditions.
"The software is flexible and can be set up for many kinds of business."
"Be flexible with your travel dates and you will find cheaper tickets."
"We need a flexible plan in case the weather turns bad."
3
Willing to change one's opinion or approach; open-minded rather than rigid.
"A good leader stays flexible and listens when others suggest a better way."
"I'm happy to be flexible about where we meet for lunch."
"Her manager was flexible about the deadline."
How to use flexible
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBendable, adaptable, or open to change — the opposite of rigid or fixed.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
flexible working hours
flexible material
flexible approach
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Word forms
- Plural
- flexibles
- Comparative
- more flexible
- Superlative
- most flexible
Fill the gap
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Thin wire is _____, so you can bend it into any shape.
Etymology
From Latin flexibilis, from flectere ("to bend, curve").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for flexible
See all rhymes for flexible →Frequently asked questions
What does “flexible” mean?
The word “flexible” means able to bend easily without breaking. In plain terms, bendable, adaptable, or open to change — the opposite of rigid or fixed.
How do you pronounce “flexible”?
“Flexible” is pronounced FLEHK-sih-buhl (/ˈflɛk.sɪ.bəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “flexible” in a sentence?
Here is “flexible” used in a sentence: “The gymnast's body was remarkably flexible.”
What is another word for “flexible”?
Words with a similar meaning to “flexible” include bendsome, bendy, ductile, inconstant, limp and manageable.
What is the opposite of “flexible”?
The opposite of “flexible” — its antonyms — are firm, inelastic, inflexible, rigid and stiff.
What part of speech is “flexible”?
“Flexible” is an adjective.
Where does the word “flexible” come from?
The word “flexible” comes from Latin. From Latin flexibilis, from flectere ("to bend, curve").
Is “flexible” a common word?
“Flexible” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "flexible" and "elastic"?
Both describe materials that can change shape, but "flexible" means able to bend without breaking, while "elastic" specifically means able to stretch and then return to its original shape. A flexible rod bends, whereas an elastic band stretches and snaps back.
What is the difference between "flexible" and "adaptable"?
When describing people or plans, both mean able to change to suit new conditions. "Flexible" emphasises a willingness to adjust, while "adaptable" emphasises the ability to fit successfully into new situations.
Can "flexible" describe a person as well as an object?
Yes. Literally, "flexible" describes objects that bend easily without breaking, such as a flexible wire. Figuratively, it describes people, schedules, or plans that adapt readily to new conditions, as in "flexible working hours."
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