unpliable

unpliable

The old leather belt was stiff and unpliable.

Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Not easily bent: "unpliable" describes a material that is stiff, rigid, and resistant to being shaped or flexed.
    • Inflexible in character: Figuratively, "unpliable" refers to a person who is stubborn, not easily influenced, or unwilling to adapt.
Usage Examples

  • Physical property:

    • The metal was cold and unpliable, making it difficult to form into a curve. (The metal was stiff and not easily bent.)
    • Old, dried leather becomes unpliable and cracks if you try to bend it. (The leather is rigid and lacks flexibility.)

  • Figurative meaning:

    • His unpliable attitude made negotiations impossible. (His stubborn, inflexible manner prevented compromise.)
    • She remained unpliable in her beliefs despite all arguments. (She refused to change her opinions.)
Advanced Usage

  • "unpliable material": a substance that lacks the property of being malleable or ductile.

    • The sculptor avoided unpliable materials like stone for his detailed work. (He chose flexible substances instead.)

  • "unpliable mind": a mental state characterized by rigidity and resistance to new ideas.

    • An unpliable mind rejects all forms of education or persuasion. (A closed, stubborn intellect.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Unpliant (adj): a synonym, meaning not pliant; stiff or unyielding.

    • The unpliant branches snapped under the weight of snow. (The branches were brittle and inflexible.)

  • Pliancy (n): the quality of being easily bent or flexible (opposite of unpliability).

    • The pliancy of the young tree allowed it to sway in the wind. (Flexibility.)
Synonyms
  • Stiff: lacking flexibility; rigid.
  • Inflexible: not capable of being bent or changed.
  • Unbending: firm and unyielding in character or form.
  • Rigid: stiff and difficult to move or alter.
Antonyms
  • Pliable: easily bent or influenced.
  • Flexible: capable of bending or adapting.
  • Supple: bending easily without breaking.
Related Idioms

  • Set in one's ways: having fixed habits or opinions; unpliable in behavior.

    • Grandfather is set in his ways and refuses to use a smartphone. (He is stubborn and unadaptable.)

  • Hard as a rock: extremely unpliable physically or mentally.

    • The clay became hard as a rock after firing. (Completely rigid.)