elasticity

/ɛlæsˈtɪsɪti/ i

Definitions

1. noun

The quality or state of being able to stretch and recover one’s original shape after being stretched or compressed, or the ability to change or adapt to a new situation.

“The elasticity of the rubber band made it bounce back into shape after being stretched.”

2. noun

The degree to which something can be changed or affected without breaking or losing its shape.

“The car’s body showed great elasticity in the crash test, absorbing the impact without sustaining significant damage.”

3. noun

The ability of a material to change its shape in response to changes in temperature or pressure.

“The elasticity of the metal changed as it cooled down, causing it to contract and lose its original shape.”

4. noun

The ability of an economy to withstand changes in the level of economic activity without experiencing large fluctuations in output or employment.

“The country’s economy showed great elasticity, absorbing the shocks of global economic downturns with minimal impact on its citizens.”

5. noun

The ability of a system or process to adapt to changes in its environment or inputs without losing its stability or effectiveness.

“The company’s management team emphasized the importance of elasticity in their supply chain, allowing them to respond quickly to changes in customer demand.”

Synonyms

  • flexibility
  • rebound
  • resilience

Antonyms

  • inflexibility
  • rigidity