What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shapable
Example
The clay is shapable and can be molded into any form. [shapable: adjective]
Example
The plastic is shapable and can be easily molded into different shapes. [shapable: adjective]
malleable
Example
Gold is a malleable metal that can be hammered into thin sheets. [malleable: adjective]
Example
She is a malleable employee who can adapt to new situations quickly. [malleable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Malleable is more commonly used than shapable in everyday language, as it has a broader range of applications and can be used to describe people and ideas as well as physical objects.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shapable and malleable?
Both shapable and malleable are relatively formal words that are more likely to be used in technical or specialized contexts than in everyday conversation.