Agency Dictionary

Malleable

adjectivePronunciation: /ˈmæl.i.ə.bəl/

In Portuguese: Maleável

Society & Politics

What does “Malleable” mean?

Easily influenced, pliable, or capable of being reshaped without breaking. In social theory, it describes institutions and human relationships that alter continuously.

Etymology

From Medieval Latin malleabilis (able to be hammered), from malleare (to beat with a hammer), from Latin malleus (hammer). The word reached English in the late Middle Ages, in part through French malleable. The figurative sense of 'easily shaped or influenced' extends from the physical property of metal that can be hammered without cracking.

Synonyms

pliable
ductile
flexible
adaptable

Word family

malleability
malleably

Usage examples

Social, economic, and production relations are fragile, fleeting, and malleable, like liquids.

Concept

Liquid ModernityLiquid modernity is a sociological concept describing contemporary society as a fluid condition where social structures, personal bonds, and institutions dissolve faster…

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Issue.6 - Time & Consumer Psychology In CrisisMarch 10, 2023Read the edition

Words of the same theme

Stigmanoun: A mark of social disgrace, shame, or prejudice associated with a particular circumstance, trait, or behavior.
collective consciousnessnoun: The set of beliefs, ideas and feelings shared by the members of a society, which exists beyond any single person. By extension, what a community knows and repeats in common.
Agoranoun: A public open space in ancient Greek cities used for assemblies, commercial markets, and philosophical dialogue.
Allegiancenoun: Loyalty, commitment, or devoted obligation felt by an individual toward a nation, cause, sovereign, or athletic club. It creates emotional cohesion and enduring solidarity across social communities.
baronnoun: A member of the aristocracy, or an influential magnate exercising commanding power in a specific industry.
Benefactornoun: A person who supports, protects, or assists another individual through resources, rank, or mentorship.
Clausenoun: A distinct article or stipulation in a formal treaty, bill, or legal contract addressing a specific condition or obligation.
Corporativismnoun: The defence of the interests of a business class or professional group above the general interest, and the culture built around it. The word also names a political and economic system organized through corporations of employers, workers and professions.
Demagoguenoun: A political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than rational argument.
dystopianoun: An imagined state or society characterized by pervasive human suffering, totalitarian rule, or ecological ruin.
Extensionnoun: An educational program or institutional initiative that extends university resources, research, and expertise to the broader community.
honestioresnoun: The higher-ranking social class in the high Roman Empire that enjoyed privileged legal treatment, lighter criminal sentences, and exemption from torture.

Also from these editions: terms

Abyssnoun: A deep or seemingly bottomless chasm, either in physical geography or metaphorical psychological depth. It evokes feelings of unfathomable emptiness or existential peril.
Anesthetizingadjective: Producing numbness, insensibility, or temporary relief from pain and critical awareness. In media studies, it describes content that pacifies audiences into mindless consumption.
Combustionnoun: The chemical process of burning, producing heat, light, and mechanical energy. In literary metaphors, it evokes furious velocity, explosive energy, and rapid expenditure of power.
Cultivationnoun: The act of preparing land, tending crops, or nurturing growth with patience and care. Figuratively, it describes the deliberate development of skills, habits, or relationships over time.
Fleetingadjective: Lasting for only a very short time; brief and transient. It characterizes momentary sensory impressions, temporary fashions, and unstable social commitments.
Livelihoodnoun: A means of securing the necessities of life through honest occupation, craft, or employment. It represents the material and vocational foundation supporting human dignity.
Maleficencenoun: The practice or tendency of doing harm, evil, or mischief to others. In ethics, it represents the violation of moral duty toward human well-being.
Overdosenoun: An excessive, dangerous dose of a medicinal, toxic, or stimulatory substance. In broader contexts, it refers to an overwhelming surfeit of sensory, emotional, or informative stimulation.
Painkillernoun: A medicine or agent that reduces or relieves physical or emotional suffering. Metaphorically, it refers to products that resolve acute client emergencies rather than offering optional conveniences.
Suspicionnoun: A feeling or thought that something is possible, likely, or true, often accompanied by mistrust or caution. It acts as an instinctual defense against perceived deceit.
Inertianoun: The tendency of an object to remain at rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon by an external force, or a state of sluggish inaction in organizations.