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 was a malleable student, always willing to learn and adapt to new ideas. [malleable: adjective]
Example
The company's malleable business plan allowed them to pivot quickly in response to changing market conditions. [malleable: adjective]
moldable
Example
Clay is a moldable material that can be shaped into various forms. [moldable: adjective]
Example
Children's minds are highly moldable and can be shaped by their experiences and environment. [moldable: adjective]
Example
The chef used a moldable silicone mold to create the perfect shape for the dessert. [moldable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Moldable is slightly more common than malleable in everyday language, as it is used to describe a wider range of materials and substances. However, both words are relatively uncommon and may not be familiar to beginner ESL learners.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between malleable and moldable?
Both malleable and moldable are formal words that are more likely to be used in technical or scientific contexts than in everyday conversation.