malleable
gb/mˈæliəbəl/ us/mˈæliəbəl/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
C1
property
1
able to change or adapt easily
able to change easily when you need it to
Usage pattern:
[something] is malleable (to/for [something])
Common mistake:
Often misspelled as *malleble* or confused with *reliable*; in this sense it means “flexible,” not “trustworthy.”
Synonyms
flexible (More common and general.)
|
adaptable (Emphasizes adjusting to new situations.)
|
elastic (Suggests stretching and returning, often metaphorical.)
Antonyms
rigid (Not willing or able to change.)
|
fixed (Set and not meant to be altered.)
Collocations
malleable approach
|malleable plan
|malleable system
|malleable policy
|malleable schedule
|malleable structure
|highly malleable
|remain malleable
|prove malleable
|keep [something] malleable
Themes
work
|business
|education
|personality
|change
Examples
- The team kept the proposal malleable until they heard the client’s feedback.
- In a fast-moving market, you need a strategy that stays malleable.
- Her writing style is still malleable, so coaching can make a big difference.
Learner examples
- My plan is malleable if something changes.
- We need a malleable schedule this week.
adjective
C1
property
2
easily influenced or persuaded
easy to influence or control
Usage pattern:
[someone]/[someone's mind] is malleable
Common mistake:
Learners may use it as a compliment; it can sound negative, suggesting someone is too easy to control.
Synonyms
impressionable (Common; especially about young people.)
|
suggestible (Often implies being influenced without thinking critically.)
|
pliable (Can imply being too willing to be guided or controlled.)
Antonyms
independent-minded (Not easily swayed by others.)
|
stubborn (Resists influence, sometimes unreasonably.)
Collocations
malleable mind
|malleable young people
|malleable children
|malleable audience
|politically malleable
|highly malleable person
|make [someone] malleable
|keep [someone] malleable
Themes
people
|psychology
|communication
|education
Examples
- Advertisers often target teenagers because they can be more malleable than adults.
- He was malleable at first, but he grew more confident and harder to sway.
- A malleable audience may accept a message without questioning it.
Learner examples
- Children can be malleable.
- She is not easily malleable.
adjective
technical
C1
property
3
easily shaped without breaking
can be shaped easily without breaking
Usage pattern:
[material] is malleable
Common mistake:
Often confused with *soluble* (can dissolve) or *moldy* (with fungus).
Synonyms
moldable (Common for soft materials like clay or plastic.)
|
ductile (Technical; emphasizes being drawn into wire rather than hammered.)
|
workable (More general for materials that are easy to shape.)
Antonyms
brittle (Breaks or cracks easily when bent or hit.)
|
hard (Resists shaping, especially without heat or force.)
Collocations
malleable metal
|malleable iron
|highly malleable
|soft and malleable
|become malleable when heated
|malleable at room temperature
|malleable alloy
|not very malleable
Themes
materials
|science
|manufacturing
Examples
- Gold is highly malleable and can be hammered into very thin sheets.
- The metal became more malleable after it was heated.
- This alloy is strong but not very malleable, so it’s difficult to form.
Learner examples
- Gold is malleable.
- Heat can make metal malleable.
Grammar
Dictionary form
malleable
IPA
GB/mˈæliəbəl/
US/mˈæliəbəl/
Syllables & stress
mal - le - able (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (mal)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: malleable
Word family
Core family
malleability
noun C1
Related words
malleably
adverb
Negative and opposite forms
unmalleable
adjective
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.