formability: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Formal
Quick answer
What does “formability” mean?
The quality or degree of being able to be shaped, moulded, or formed without breaking.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The quality or degree of being able to be shaped, moulded, or formed without breaking.
In a broader sense, it can refer to the capacity of an idea, system, or material to be adapted, configured, or developed into a desired state.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling follows national conventions for '-ability' suffix.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both UK and US English, confined to engineering and materials science contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “formability” in a Sentence
The formability of [MATERIAL][MATERIAL] exhibits good/poor formabilityto test/measure the formabilityVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “formability” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The alloy can be formed easily.
- We need to form the component in a press.
American English
- The metal forms well under heat.
- They will form the part using a die.
adverb
British English
- The metal deformed formably under pressure.
- (Rare usage)
American English
- The clay can be shaped formably when wet.
- (Rare usage)
adjective
British English
- This is a highly formable grade of steel.
- The formable polymer sheet is ideal for prototyping.
American English
- Aluminum 5052 is a very formable alloy.
- We selected a formable composite material.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in manufacturing or R&D discussions about material properties.
Academic
Common in materials science, engineering, and metallurgy papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary domain. Refers to a key property in metalworking, ceramics, and polymer processing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “formability”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “formability”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “formability”
- Using it as a general synonym for 'flexibility' in non-technical contexts (e.g., 'the formability of our plans').
- Misspelling as 'formibility'.
- Confusing it with 'formulation'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency technical term used primarily in engineering and materials science.
It would be highly unusual and considered a metaphorical extension of the technical term. Words like 'adaptability' or 'flexibility' are more appropriate.
Metallurgy and materials science, particularly in processes like sheet metal forming, forging, and extrusion.
They are closely related. 'Malleability' is the ability to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets. 'Formability' is a broader term encompassing all shaping processes (stamping, drawing, bending) and is often quantified through specific tests.
The quality or degree of being able to be shaped, moulded, or formed without breaking.
Formability is usually technical / formal in register.
Formability: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɔː.məˈbɪl.ə.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɔːr.məˈbɪl.ə.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The word is technical and does not feature in idioms.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of FORM-ABILITY: the ABILITY of a material to take a new FORM.
Conceptual Metaphor
MATERIAL IS CLAY (i.e., something that can be shaped and moulded).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'formability' MOST appropriately used?