malleable

American  

[mal-ee-uh-buhl] / ˈmæl i ə bəl /

adjective

1. capable of being extended or shaped by hammering or by pressure from rollers.

2. adaptable or tractable.

   the malleable mind of a child.

   Synonyms:

   pliable, flexible, moldable, impressionable

   Antonyms:

   intractable, refractory

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malleable British  

/ ˈmælɪəbəl /

adjective

1. (esp of metal) able to be worked, hammered, or shaped under pressure or blows without breaking

2. able to be influenced; pliable or tractable

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malleable Scientific  

/ măl′ē-ə-bəl /

1. Capable of great deformation without breaking, when subject to compressive stress. Gold is the most malleable metal.

2. Compare ductile

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Other Word Forms

• malleability noun
• malleableness noun
• malleably adverb
• nonmalleable adjective
• unmalleable adjective

Etymology

Origin of malleable

1350–1400; Middle English malliable < Medieval Latin malleābilis, equivalent to malle ( āre ) to hammer (derivative of Latin malleus hammer) + -ābilis -able

Explanation

A malleable metal is able to be pounded or pressed into various shapes, and a malleable personality is capable of being changed or trained. It's easier to learn when you're young and malleable. Just as there are substances that are malleable, including clay and some metals, there are also ductile metals that can be hammered out into wire or thread; gold, silver, and platinum are examples. The adjective malleable dates back to Middle English, from Old French, from Medieval Latin malleābilis, from malleāre, "to hammer."

Example Sentences

That is bad news for big users of the malleable metal, from Michigan’s auto parts makers and Indiana’s recreational-vehicle factories to beer and soda companies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

It was malleable and oblong, perfectly complemented by a waft of boy-next-door blond locks and a brow that could convey emotion just as well as any histrionic soap dialogue.

From Salon • Feb. 15, 2026

Rather than emphasizing unchangeable characteristics, he presented human beings as malleable over long stretches of time.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

What about the ecosystem or nervous system of Los Angeles is baiting jazz music out from its malleable shadow into a renewed prominence and even granting it rank in the clout economy?

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2026

He had been squeezing it in his hand until it was soft and malleable.

From "Stardust" by Neil Gaiman

Related Words

• adaptable
• flexible
• supple
• workable