What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ductile
Example
Gold is a ductile metal that can be drawn into thin wires. [ductile: adjective]
Example
The ductility of copper makes it an ideal material for electrical wiring. [ductility: noun]
malleable
Example
Aluminum is a malleable metal that can be easily shaped into different forms. [malleable: adjective]
Example
The malleability of clay allows it to be molded into different shapes. [malleability: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Malleable is more commonly used than ductile in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications beyond metallurgy and engineering. However, both words are important technical terms in the fields of materials science and engineering.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ductile and malleable?
Both ductile and malleable are technical terms that are more commonly used in formal or technical writing rather than in casual conversation. However, ductile may be considered slightly more formal due to its narrower application in metallurgy and engineering.
