Pliancy: meaning, definitions and examples

Best used in the context of someone or something easily influenced or yielding to the will of others. Often has a negative connotation.

• Her pliancy made it easy for her coworkers to persuade her to take on extra tasks.

Refers to the quality of bending easily without breaking or the willingness to change plans or opinions. Generally positive.

• Flexibility in the workplace can lead to greater job satisfaction.

Used to describe the ability to adjust to new conditions or changes. Typically has a positive connotation.

• His adaptability helped him succeed in various job roles.

Often used in a physical sense to describe materials that can be easily shaped or in a metaphorical sense for people who are easily influenced or adaptable. The connotation varies based on usage.

• Gold's malleability allows it to be crafted into intricate jewelry.
• His malleability made him a prime candidate for training.

Pliancy refers to someone or something that is easily shaped or influenced. It is usually used when talking about flexibility in both physical objects and people's attitudes.

• Her pliancy allowed her to adapt to new situations with ease
• The metal showed remarkable pliancy under heat

Compliance is often used in legal and corporate settings to refer to the act of following rules or standards. It implies a formal agreement with established guidelines.

• The company's compliance with the new regulations was strictly monitored
• He showed full compliance with the office policies

Submissiveness refers to a willingness to obey others, often without question. It generally has a negative connotation, implying a lack of independence or self-respect.

• His submissiveness made him vulnerable to manipulation
• She displayed submissiveness in the presence of her domineering boss

Docility is used to describe a person or animal that is easily managed or controlled. It often carries a positive connotation but can imply a lack of assertiveness.

• The dog's docility made it a perfect pet for children
• Her docility made her well-liked among her colleagues