Which of the following is a typical characteristic of ceramics?

Ceramics are known for their high strength in compression, which makes them suitable for various applications in construction, manufacturing, and engineering. This characteristic arises primarily from the strong ionic and covalent bonds present in the materials that comprise ceramics, enabling them to withstand compressive forces without deforming.

In structural applications, such as tiles, bricks, and pottery, this ability to resist compression is crucial as it allows these items to support weight and withstand external pressures without breaking. Additionally, ceramics exhibit low ductility, making them more prone to failure under tensile stress, but their compressive strength remains one of their most significant advantages.

The other options reflect properties that ceramics do not typically possess: ceramics are usually not flexible or tough compared to materials like metals. They may indeed be strong in compression, but their performance under tensile stress is significantly weaker. Overall, the outstanding compressive strength is a defining feature of ceramics, justifying why this characteristic is recognized in the engineering context.