malleability

[ mal-ee-uh-bil-i-tee ]

noun

1. the state of being malleable, or capable of being shaped, as by hammering or pressing:

   the extreme malleability of gold.

2. adaptability:

   the malleability of an infant's brain.

Other Words From

• nonmal·le·a·bili·ty noun
• non·malle·a·ble·ness noun
• unmal·le·a·bili·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of malleability¹

First recorded in 1640–50; malle(able) ( def ) + -ability ( def )

Example Sentences

The endless malleability of this part of the DC Comic universe is related to knowing that its hero and most of its core rogues’ gallery, even at their most fantastical, are subject to the laws of physics, including socioeconomic gravity.

From Salon

His work has continuing implications for the study of “extreme forms of influence,” such as terrorist recruiting, cults and “human malleability or resiliency when confronted by authority power.”

From Los Angeles Times

Lee says collapses happen often during the printing phase because of the moisture and malleability of the clay.

From Los Angeles Times

The malleability of identity is depicted in provincial settings in the American West, where there often isn’t a full menu of lifestyle possibilities and the passageway between religious conformity and stigmatized outcast status can be exceedingly narrow.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s just further evidence of its convenient malleability.

From Slate