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

Dahlia Lithwick: In your article, you draw out the fact that lawyers are extremely uneasy about invoking the language of morality, because morality is either too malleable or just sanctimonious and annoying.

From Slate • Feb. 3, 2026

“I think that’s what makes it so fun because we’re really open to this idea of time being a little bit malleable, a little bit gelatinous,” Lopatin says.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 8, 2025

But they’re also malleable; there’s no telling what might affect them, or what a child might carry with them throughout their life.

From Salon • Nov. 5, 2025

The layered effect is magical—as if the vessel were malleable, atmospheric, and the figures were frolicking within its translucent skin.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 1, 2025

The brain is malleable from childhood to adulthood.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

Related Words

• adaptable
• flexible
• supple
• workable