What term describes the ability of a material to be shaped by pounding without breaking apart?

The ability of a material to be shaped by pounding without breaking apart is best described by the term malleability. Malleability refers to the capacity of a substance—especially metals—to undergo deformation under compressive stress, allowing them to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets without fracturing. This characteristic is particularly important in materials used for manufacturing and crafting various products.

In contrast to malleability, ductility refers to a material's ability to deform under tensile stress, which is related to stretching rather than shaping by pounding. Brittleness defines a material that breaks or shatters easily without significant deformation, and conductivity pertains to a material's ability to conduct electricity or heat. Therefore, malleability is the correct term describing the ability to shape a material by pounding.