What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
malleable
Example
Gold is a malleable metal that can be hammered into thin sheets. [malleable: adjective]
Example
She has a malleable personality and is always willing to try new things. [malleable: adjective]
Example
The plan is malleable enough to accommodate unexpected changes. [malleable: adjective]
ductile
Example
Copper is a ductile metal that can be drawn into thin wires. [ductile: adjective]
Example
She showed her ductile nature by remaining calm during the crisis. [ductile: adjective]
Example
The politician used his ductile rhetoric to sway public opinion. [ductile: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Malleable is more common in everyday language than ductile. Malleable is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while ductile is more technical and specific to certain fields such as metallurgy or engineering.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between malleable and ductile?
Both malleable and ductile are formal words, but ductile is more technical and scientific, making it more appropriate for academic or professional contexts.