Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /kəmˌprɛsəˈbɪləti/
KK: /kəmˈprɛsəˌbɪlɪti/
Definition
The ability of a substance to be made smaller or more compact by applying pressure.
Example
The compressibility of gases is much higher than that of liquids.
Conversation

Have you ever heard about the concept of compressibility in gases?

Yeah, I think it refers to how much a gas can be compressed, right?

Exactly! It's interesting how it affects things like pressure and volume.

For sure, understanding compressibility is key in physics and engineering.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
compactness
density
contraction
Antonyms
expansiveness
dilatation
rarefaction
Root Explanation
Compressibility → It is formed from "com-" (meaning together) and "premere" (meaning to press). The word refers to the ability to be pressed together or compacted.
Memory Tip
Think of being able to 'press together' ('com-' means together and 'premere' means to press') — that's what compressibility means.
Visually Confused Words
incompressibility
impressibility
unimpressibility
incompossibility
incompressibly
expressibility
depressibility
incomprehensibility