WordGarden.ioportability
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /pˌɔːtəbˈɪlɪti/
US
- /ˌpɔrtəˈbɪlɪti/
Meanings
Noun
the quality of being easy to carry, move, or use in different places
the ability of software, data, or digital services to work or transfer across different systems or platforms
Beyond the definition
Portability describes how easy it is to carry, move, or use something in different places. Think about the first bulky cell phones: they were hard to carry around. Now smartphones are valued because you can take them almost anywhere. It is not just about size and weight, though; convenience matters too. A heavy suitcase might still be movable, but it does not offer the easy travel of a rolling carry-on. The rise of laptops also made computers much easier to use on the go than desktop machines.
Portability refers to the quality of being easily carried or moved. It's more than just lightness; it encompasses size, weight, convenience, and overall ease of transport. While something can be portable if it is physically movable, true portability implies a practical level of maneuverability.
Historically, portability was less crucial for many items. Large furniture, heavy tools, or fixed machinery weren't designed to be moved often. However, with increasing globalization and mobile lifestyles, the demand for portable devices and solutions has skyrocketed. This is why we see trends like miniaturization in electronics (think earbuds vs. boomboxes), foldable furniture, and lightweight materials used in everything from luggage to construction equipment.
Portability isn't limited to physical objects either. The concept also extends to computing and digital information. In software, it can mean that a program can run on different systems without major changes. In the digital world, "data portability" refers to the ability to easily transfer your data between different platforms or services, like moving photos from an iPhone to a Google Photos account.
So, whether it's a pocket-sized gadget, a foldable chair, or your personal information, portability is about freedom of movement and adaptability in our increasingly mobile world. It's the difference between being tethered to one location and having the ability to take what you need with you, wherever you go.
Examples
- 1
Product size
The speaker sounds great, but its size limits its portability.
- 2
Camping priorities
For camping, portability matters more than having the biggest screen.
- 3
Device compatibility
The new app was designed for portability across phones, tablets, and laptops.
- Patternportability across + devices/systems
being usable on several different devices or systems
- 4
Data services
Customers complained when the company made data portability difficult.
- Domaindata portability
the ability to move your information from one service to another
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Phone providers
Number portability lets you change phone companies without losing your old number.
- Domainnumber portability
keeping the same phone number when you switch providers
- 6
Employee benefits
The job includes a pension plan with some portability if you move to another employer.
- Domainin employee benefits, portability
the ability of benefits to move with you
See also
Similar
- transportability
- mobility
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- bulkiness
- immobility
Used with (collocations)
- software portability
- data portability
- portability of benefits
- designed for portability
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- portabilitynoun