Definition

Noun: 1. The quality or state of being unmalleable; a lack of malleability. This refers to the physical property of a material that cannot be easily shaped, formed, or bent by hammering or pressure without breaking. 2. (Figurative) Inflexibility, rigidity. Used to describe a person's character, ideas, or attitudes that are resistant to change, influence, or adaptation.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Physical Property):
  • The unmalleability of the hardened steel made it unsuitable for the intricate forging process.
  • Due to its unmalleability, cast iron is often used where rigidity is more important than shapeability.
• Noun (Figurative):
  • The manager's unmalleability on company policy frustrated employees who suggested improvements.
  • His ideological unmalleability prevented any meaningful compromise during the negotiations.

Advanced Usage

• "The unmalleability of...": A common construction to specify the subject of the inflexibility.
  • The discussion highlighted the unmalleability of his core beliefs.
• Used in technical or formal contexts to describe a fundamental property, often in contrast to "malleability."
  • The alloy's value lies in the balance between strength and unmalleability.

Variants and Related Words

• Unmalleable (adj): Not malleable; not capable of being shaped or changed.
  • The clay became unmalleable after firing.
  • She was unmalleable in her opposition to the plan.
• Malleability (n): The quality of being malleable; the opposite property.
• Inflexibility (n): The quality of being unwilling or unable to change.
• Rigidity (n): The inability to be bent or changed.

Synonyms

• (Physical) Hardness, stiffness, brittleness.
• (Figurative) Intransigence, obstinacy, stubbornness, unyieldingness.

Antonyms

• (Physical) Malleability, plasticity, ductility, flexibility.
• (Figurative) Flexibility, adaptability, pliability, receptiveness.

Noun

1. a lack of malleability