Agility: meaning, definitions and examples

Agility is often used when referring to the ability to move quickly and easily, especially in physical activities or sports. It can also be used metaphorically to describe mental quickness.

• The gymnast's agility was evident in her flawless routine.
• He handled the complex problem with great mental agility.

Dexterity usually refers to skillful use of the hands or the ability to perform tasks with great precision. It can also be used to describe adeptness in a particular activity that requires fine motor skills.

• Her dexterity with the sewing needle was impressive.
• Playing the piano requires a lot of finger dexterity.

Nimbleness emphasizes lightness and ease of movement. It often implies gracefulness in addition to speed and is frequently used to describe physical or mental agility.

• The dancer’s nimbleness allowed her to perform intricate steps effortlessly.
• His mental nimbleness made him a quick thinker in high-pressure situations.

Quickness denotes speed in movement or reaction. It is a broader term that can be used to describe physical speed or rapid response in various contexts.

• The quickness of the sprinter was unmatched on the track.
• Her quickness in solving the puzzle surprised everyone.

Agility refers to the ability to move quickly and easily, typically in a physical context. It's often used in sports, dance, or any scenario where physical coordination and speed are important.

• The gymnast's agility allowed her to perform complex routines effortlessly
• Football players must have great agility to dodge tackles and move swiftly down the field

Mental acuity describes sharpness of mind, including the ability to think clearly, make quick decisions, and understand complex ideas. It's often used in academic or intellectual contexts.

• Chess players need strong mental acuity to anticipate their opponent's moves
• As people age, maintaining mental acuity is essential for a high quality of life

Adaptability means being able to adjust to new conditions or changes easily. It can be used in various contexts, including work environments, technology, or personal life changes.

• In the fast-paced tech industry, adaptability is key to keeping up with innovations
• Her adaptability helped her transition smoothly into her new role at the company

Nimbleness refers to the ability to move quickly and lightly, often in a physical sense. It can also metaphorically describe quick thinking. The term is similar to agility but can imply a lighter, more delicate form of movement.

• The cat moved with incredible nimbleness as it jumped from one narrow ledge to another
• His nimbleness of mind made him an excellent problem-solver in high-pressure situations