flexible

Flexible is an adjective describing something that can be bent, stretched, or altered without losing its integrity, or capable of readily adapting to new conditions. The term derives from the Latin flexus, from flectere “to bend.” In everyday use, flexible conveys both physical pliability and the capacity to adjust plans, structures, or operations in response to change.

In materials science, flexibility relates to a material’s ability to deform under load and return to its original shape, or to sustain bending without fracture. It is influenced by properties such as elasticity, yield strength, and elongation. Flexible materials include certain plastics, elastomers, and thin films; they are crucial in applications like flexible displays, wearable electronics, and medical devices. Flexibility is often characterized by metrics such as flexural modulus, bend radius, and fatigue life.

In engineering and design, flexible design emphasizes adaptability and resilience. Flexible joints, hinges, membranes, and flexures enable movement and compliance in structures and mechanisms. Flexible electronics, where circuits are placed on bendable substrates, enable foldable devices and wearable sensors. Limitations include fatigue, creep, and reliability concerns under repeated bending.

In social and economic contexts, flexibility describes the ability to adjust schedules, roles, or processes. Flexible work arrangements, such as variable hours or remote work, are common to balance productivity and personal needs. Flexibility as a cognitive trait refers to the capacity to shift perspectives, strategies, and problem-solving approaches in response to new information.

Related concepts include elasticity, pliability, and adaptability.