malleability
/ˌmæliəˈbɪləti/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌmæliəˈbɪləti/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌma-lē-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē ˌmal-yə-, ˌma-lə-/ (ame, mw)
malleability — noun
1. the physical property of a metal or other solid material that allows it to be ha
the physical property of a metal or other solid material that allows it to be hammered, pressed, or rolled into a different shape without cracking or breaking — for example, a blacksmith hammering hot iron into a flat sheet.
The malleability of gold allows Wei to hammer it into extremely thin decorative sheets.
malleability + of + noun for metal properties
Copper's high malleability makes it useful for electrical wiring that must bend around corners.
typical collocation: [metal]'s high malleability
The blacksmith tested the malleability of the heated iron before shaping it into a horseshoe.
Unlike glass, the malleability of metals lets them be pressed into coins without shattering.
Aarav studied the malleability of different alloys in his materials science class.
- ductility
ductility describes being drawn into wires rather than hammered into sheets; the two often appear together but measure different properties
- plasticity
plasticity is a broader scientific term for any material that can permanently change shape under stress, including clay and polymers
- pliability
pliability can describe both metals and non-metals (e.g., leather) and suggests bending more than pressing
- workability
workability is a practical engineering term for how easily a material can be shaped by various methods
- brittleness
brittleness is the tendency to crack or shatter rather than deform when force is applied
- rigidity
rigidity describes resistance to any shape change, often resulting in breakage under extreme force
- hardness
hardness measures resistance to scratching or indentation, which is different from resistance to shape change
文法句型
the malleability of [metal/material]
[metal]'s + adjective + malleability
用法筆記
Restricted to metals and other solid materials that can be physically re-shaped under compressive force. Do not use for elasticity (the ability to stretch and return to shape) or ductility (the ability to be drawn into wires).
常見錯誤
2. the quality of being easily influenced, persuaded, or controlled by other people
the quality of being easily influenced, persuaded, or controlled by other people or circumstances — for example, a politician whose views shift with public opinion, or a young person whose character is still being shaped by those around them.
Aisha's malleability as a new worker helped her learn the company's procedures quickly.
possessive: [person]'s malleability
Critics worried that the candidate's political malleability meant he would say anything to win votes.
collocation: political malleability
The dictator exploited the malleability of public opinion through constant state propaganda.
Parents sometimes worry about the malleability of teenagers who are still forming their values.
Good teachers value the malleability of young minds and shape them through encouragement and guidance.
- pliability
pliability is very close in meaning but slightly less formal; often used for people who go along with others' wishes
- flexibility
flexibility is more neutral and can be positive (adaptability) or neutral; malleability often carries a hint of vulnerability
- suggestibility
suggestibility is narrower — it refers specifically to being easily influenced by suggestions or ideas, not by people or circumstances generally
- compliance
compliance focuses on obedience to rules or requests rather than a general openness to being shaped
- stubbornness
stubbornness is the refusal to change one's mind or behaviour despite external pressure
- rigidity
rigidity suggests an unwillingness or inability to adapt to new circumstances or ideas
- intransigence
intransigence is a formal term for refusing to compromise, especially in political contexts
文法句型
[domain] + malleability
malleability of [abstract noun: opinion, mind, will]
[person]'s malleability
用法筆記
Frequently appears in political, psychological, and educational writing to describe openness to influence. Carries a more formal tone than near-synonyms like 'flexibility' or 'adaptability,' and often implies a mild concern that the person or group lacks strong independent convictions.