DictionaryagileQuick and flexible
adjective

agile

AJ-ul/ˈædʒl/

Able to respond rapidly and flexibly to changing conditions.

The agile athlete changes direction quickly around the cones.

Black female athlete swiftly changes direction around training cones with balanced dynamic pose.
Etymology

Latin agilis, “nimble,” comes from agere, “to set in motion, keep in movement.” This movement-based origin connects directly with the word’s description of someone who moves quickly and easily.

In context

WIRED4:57
running around and being able to react to changes in the flight and you know boomerang throwers tend to be very agile they tend to be very quick
How This Guy Became a World Champion Boomerang Thrower | WIRED

More examples

  • Her agile mind quickly sees a solution.
  • The team uses agile methods with short development cycles.
  • An agile business can adjust quickly when customers' needs change.

Forms

agility noun — The ability to move or respond quickly.

Similar words

nimble
Often emphasizes quick, light movements or resourceful thinking.
adaptable
Emphasizes adjusting successfully without necessarily acting quickly.