mobility

mobility UK US /məˈbɪlɪti/ noun [U]

► ECONOMICS the fact that it is easy for someone to change their situation, for example by doing different work, becoming part of a different social class, or moving to a different place: »

Some employment systems require more flexibility and mobility than others.

class/social/economic mobility »

The government thinks higher education means more social mobility.

upward/downward mobility »

Widespread upward mobility has meant that mobile phones and automobiles are considered normal purchases.

► the fact that it is easy to move or transport something from one place to another, or to use it for a different purpose: »

I prefer the mobility of a handheld camera.

»

In a world of capital mobility, bilateral trade figures don't really tell you very much.

► IT, COMMUNICATIONS, E-COMMERCE the ability to have particular services available on a phone or a computer used while travelling from place to place, without being connected by wires: »

Consumers are demanding mobility, so that they can have access to information wherever they are.

→ Compare IMMOBILITY(Cf. ↑immobility)

→ See also LABOUR MOBILITY(Cf. ↑labour mobility)