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agile

AJ-ayl /ˈædʒaɪl/

adjectiveB2GMATTOEFL

ProfessionalTechnical

Able to move quickly and easily; in project management, a methodology characterized by the division of tasks into short phases of work and frequent reassessment.

Capitalized 'Agile' refers to the specific software development philosophy; lowercase 'agile' refers to general nimbleness.

The story behind the word. From the Latin 'agilis', meaning 'easily moved'. It shares the same root as 'agent' and 'action'. In 2001, a group of software developers met in Utah and chose this word to describe their new, flexible way of working.

Word relationships

nimble: Nimble often refers to quick physical or mental movement, while agile is the standard term for business flexibility.
supple: Supple refers to being flexible or bending easily, usually in a physical or material sense.

rigid: Rigid means unable to bend or change, the exact opposite of the agile mindset.

Commonly confused with

waterfall: Waterfall is a linear project management style where each phase must finish before the next begins; Agile is iterative.

Word family

agility (noun): The ability to move or think quickly and easily.
agilely (adverb): In an agile manner.

Collocations

agile methodology
agile development
remain agile
agile team

Example sentences

"Agile is not a process; it is a set of values and principles." Management Philosophy
"The mountain goat is incredibly agile, leaping between narrow ledges with ease." Physical Ability

Memory hook

Agile sounds like 'A Guy'll'—as in 'A guy'll change his mind quickly if he's agile.' Agile means able to act.

When not to use

Don't use it to mean 'fast' alone; it implies flexibility and responsiveness to change, not just speed.

Fun facts

The 'Agile Manifesto' was written in just two days at a ski resort.
While born in software, Agile is now used in marketing, HR, and even construction.