Agility Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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agility

[əˈdʒɪlɪti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in sports

Agility is the ability to move quickly and easily in a coordinated way. It is an essential skill in many sports such as football, basketball, and tennis.

Synonyms

dexterity, nimbleness, quickness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
agility	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	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	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	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.

Examples of usage

He showed great agility on the basketball court, dodging past defenders effortlessly.
Her agility on the soccer field impressed the scouts who were watching the game.
The athlete's agility allowed him to change direction rapidly, leaving his opponents behind.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

general usage

Agility can also refer to mental quickness and flexibility, the ability to think and adapt quickly.

Synonyms

adaptability, mental acuity, nimbleness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
agility	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	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	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	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

Examples of usage

Her agility in problem-solving made her a valuable asset to the team.
The company's success was partly due to the agility of its leadership in responding to changing market conditions.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'agility'

The word 'agility' has its roots in the Latin word 'agilis', meaning 'nimble' or 'quick'. It has been used in English since the 16th century to describe the quality of being agile or quick in movement or thought. Over time, 'agility' has come to be associated with flexibility, quick thinking, and adaptability in various contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,401, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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17398 darts
17399 camphor
17400 appease
17401 agility
17402 intolerant
17403 quarrying
17404 foolishness
...