Ductility is a material property that describes how easily a substance can be stretched or deformed without breaking. It is commonly associated with metals, such as copper and gold, which can be drawn into thin wires. Ductile materials can undergo significant plastic deformation, allowing them to absorb energy and resist fracture under stress. This property is important in various applications, including construction and manufacturing. For example, steel used in buildings must be ductile to withstand forces like earthquakes. Ductility is measured by the amount of elongation or reduction in area a material can achieve before failure, making it a key factor in material selection.