agile
ADJ-ile
/ˈædʒ.aɪl/
Able to move quickly and easily; in business, a method of project management characterized by the division of tasks into short phases of work.
Being 'Agile' (capitalized) refers to a specific philosophy of constant feedback and rapid changes, rather than following a rigid plan.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'agere', meaning 'to do' or 'to drive'. It originally described physical movement, but in 2001, a group of software developers wrote the 'Agile Manifesto,' forever linking the word to modern business.
Word relationships
- nimble: Nimble usually refers to physical or mental quickness; agile often refers to a systematic ability to change direction.
- rigid: Rigid systems cannot change or bend, which is the opposite of an agile system.
Commonly confused with
- waterfall: Waterfall is a project management style where every step is planned at the start; Agile is iterative and changes as it goes.
Word family
- agility (noun): the ability to move quickly and easily.
Collocations
- agile methodology
- agile development
- stay agile
- agile mindset
Idioms & expressions
- light on one's feet
Example sentences
- "The team adopted an agile approach to respond more quickly to user feedback." Software Development
- "The mountain goat was incredibly agile, leaping between narrow ledges with ease." Physical Description
Memory hook
Think of an 'Agile' athlete who can change direction instantly without falling over. Quick to change, easy to move.
When not to use
Don't use it to describe a person who is just 'fast'; it implies flexibility and responsiveness, not just speed.
Fun facts
- The 'Agile Manifesto' was written in a ski resort in Utah by 17 software developers who were tired of traditional corporate bureaucracy.
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