Ductility: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used in engineering and materials science when discussing how metals and other materials can be stretched into thin wires without breaking.

• Copper is known for its high ductility, making it perfect for electrical wiring.
• The ductility of the metal allows it to be used in various industrial applications.

Commonly used to describe materials, especially metals, which can be hammered or rolled into sheets without cracking.

• Gold's malleability is one reason it's used for making fine jewelry.
• The malleability of aluminum makes it ideal for manufacturing cans and other containers.

Used in materials science, sculpting, and psychology. In materials, it refers to the ability to be molded or shaped. In psychology, it refers to the brain's ability to adapt and change.

• Clay has high plasticity, making it easy to shape into various forms.
• Neural plasticity allows the brain to recover and adapt after an injury.

Typically used in materials science, ductility refers to a material's ability to deform under tensile stress, indicating that it can be stretched into a wire. It can also reflect pliability in other contexts, but is most common in technical or engineering discussions.

• The ductility of gold makes it an excellent choice for intricate jewelry work.
• Engineers tested the ductility of the metal to ensure it could withstand extreme stress.

Commonly used to describe both physical capability and metaphorical adaptability. It reflects the ease with which something can bend without breaking. It is applicable in a variety of contexts, from physical properties to personal traits and scheduling.

• Yoga improves physical flexibility as well as mental relaxation.
• Her job offers enough flexibility to allow for a good work-life balance.

Suitably used in discussing someone's or something's ability to adjust to new conditions or environments. It highlights flexibility but specifically in the context of changing situations or challenges.

• Her adaptability to new job roles made her a valuable asset to the company.
• The plant's adaptability allows it to survive in both arid and tropical climates.