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

There are stairs up to the property's main entrance, but staff can set up a ramp for those with limited mobility or assist guests through a more private back entrance. —Brad Japhe, Travel + Leisure, 22 May 2024

Focus, instead, should be on the environmental and economic impact of evolving electric vehicle (EV) technology and on mobility equity for those who depend on drive-up access to Summit corridor homes, businesses and institutions. —Jerome Johnson, Twin Cities, 16 May 2024

Airports are a core aspect of Uber’s mobility business, and shuttles could potentially represent a new revenue source for the company. —Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 15 May 2024

Her goal was, and is, the prototypical better American life for them both, with social mobility requiring a constant push on an upward trajectory. —Christopher Smith, Orange County Register, 13 May 2024

The goal was to enhance mobility and leverage infrastructure, but nearly a decade later, tangible results have yet to materialize. —Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 6 May 2024

While some applications initially might be restricted to military or emergency use, the goal of the industry is widespread civil adoption, marking a significant step toward a future of cleaner urban mobility. —Jamey Jacob, The Conversation, 1 May 2024

This sort of social mobility appeals to Dan Epstein, who is 85. —Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 May 2024

The old train station, which will include 640,000 square feet of retail, hospitality, community and office spaces, serves as the centerpiece of Ford's mobility district in the area. —Dana Afana, Detroit Free Press, 8 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mobility

• micro-mobility
• mobility scooter
• upward mobility