mobility

noun

mo·​bil·​i·​ty mō-ˈbi-lə-tē 

1

: the quality or state of being mobile or movable

… its efforts were supported by the cavalry which … compensated for the infantry's lack of mobility.

—R. M. Ogorkiewicz

… it becomes cost-effective and socially advantageous to provide urban mobility by means of metros: urban rail mass transit systems on exclusive rights-of-way.

—Michael A Niedzielski et al.

: ability or capacity to move

… the physical challenges of vision loss, hearing loss, and reduced mobility.

—Vicki Bloom and Benjamin B. Green-Field

When large doses of steroids restored mobility, they also created irritability, insatiable appetite, and facial hair …

—Whitney Scott

2

: the ability to change one's social or socioeconomic position in a community and especially to improve it

A large body of academic research shows that inequality and lack of social mobility hurt not just those at the bottom; they hurt everyone.

—Rana Foroohar

The mythology of the American Dream has made it difficult to start a serious conversation about how to create more opportunity in our society, since many of us still believe that our mobility is the result of our elbow grease and nothing more.

—Rana Foroohar

see also upward mobility

Examples of mobility in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Richardson flashed his arm strength and mobility last Sunday, but his 10-of-32 day through the air resulted in Colts coach Shane Steichen turning to Flacco for this week's trip to Minnesota. —David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024

His ability to speak and mobility were somewhat hampered but his mind was as sharp as ever. —Mayu Saini, WWD, 3 Nov. 2024

But experts say the photos show the ICBM and its launch vehicle are oversized, raising a serious question about their wartime mobility and survivability. —Hyung-Jin Kim and Kim Tong-Hyung The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 2 Nov. 2024

Testers also noted excellent temperature regulation as promised, as well as strong edge support ideal for couples or those with mobility issues. —Ashley Zlatopolsky, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mobility

• micro-mobility
• mobility scooter
• upward mobility