flexible
gb/flˈɛksəbəl/ us/flˈɛksəbəl/
A2
English
~ 3800
Senses
0 senses
adjective
A2
property
1
Able to bend easily
Easy to bend or move without breaking.
Usage pattern:
[something] is flexible
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'flexible' with 'soft', but something can be flexible and still hard in texture, like metal wire.
Synonyms
bendable (Informal and directly describes something that can be bent.)
|
pliable (Slightly more formal; often used for materials like leather or plastic.)
Antonyms
rigid (Describes something stiff and hard to bend.)
|
inflexible (Formal; means unable to bend physically.)
Collocations
flexible material
|flexible hose
|flexible cable
|flexible tube
Themes
materials
|physical properties
|core_vocabulary
|science
Examples
- This plastic is very flexible and won't snap easily.
- The yoga instructor showed us how to keep our bodies flexible.
- The wire is flexible enough to fit around corners.
Learner examples
- The paper is flexible.
- My phone case is flexible.
- This rope is flexible.
adjective
B1
property
2
Able to adapt easily
Able to change plans or ways of doing things easily.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is flexible about/with [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes overuse 'flexible' for people when 'open-minded' or 'adaptable' might be more precise.
Synonyms
adaptable (Focuses on the ability to adjust to new conditions.)
|
versatile (Emphasizes having many skills or uses, not just adaptability.)
Antonyms
stubborn (Refuses to change ideas or plans despite new situations.)
|
rigid (Unwilling to change behavior or plans.)
Collocations
flexible schedule
|flexible approach
|flexible policy
|flexible thinking
Themes
work
|daily life
|personality
|core_vocabulary
|daily_life
Examples
- We need someone with a flexible approach to problem-solving.
- I'm flexible about the meeting time if you need to change it.
- Her flexible thinking helped the team find a quick solution.
Learner examples
- I am flexible about the time.
- He has a flexible plan.
- My teacher is flexible with homework dates.
adjective
B1
property
3
Easily changed or adjusted
Easy to change or adjust.
Usage pattern:
[something] is flexible [in some aspect]
Synonyms
adjustable (Designed so it can be changed or fitted as needed.)
Antonyms
fixed (Cannot be changed or adjusted.)
Collocations
flexible rules
|flexible deadline
|flexible budget
Themes
business
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
|work
|technology
Examples
- Our booking policy is flexible if your plans change.
- The contract terms are flexible depending on your needs.
- They offer a flexible payment plan.
Learner examples
- The date is flexible.
- My work hours are flexible.
- This rule is flexible.
Grammar
Dictionary form
flexible
IPA
GB/flˈɛksəbəl/
US/flˈɛksəbəl/
Syllables & stress
flex - ible (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (flex)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: flexible
Word family
Core family
flexibility
noun B1
flexibly
adverb B2
Related words
flex
verb B2
Negative and opposite forms
inflexible
adjective
inflexibility
noun
Expressions
be flexible with something
1/bˈi flˈɛksəbəl wˈɪθ sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
Allow changes easily
To be willing to change something if needed.
Examples
- We should be flexible with the project deadlines.
- Teachers are encouraged to be flexible with their teaching methods.
flexible working hours
1/flˈɛksəbəl wˈɚkɪŋ ˈaʊɚz/
fixed phrase
Work hours that can change
A work schedule where you can start and finish at different times, as long as you work the required hours.
Examples
- Our company offers flexible working hours for parents.
- Flexible working hours help employees avoid rush hour traffic.