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immutable

im-MYOO-tuh-bul /ɪˈmjuːtəbl/

adjectiveC2GREGMATLSAT

formallegalscientific

Unchanging over time or unable to be changed.

Suggests a fundamental, structural inability to change, often applied to laws of nature or divine decrees.

The story behind the word. The root 'mutare' gives us 'mutation' (a biological change) and 'mutual' (an exchange). By adding the prefix 'im-' (not), we get a word for something that refuses to participate in the universal law of change. It was a favorite word of medieval theologians describing the nature of God.

Word relationships

unalterable: Unalterable is a more common, less formal way of saying something cannot be changed.
fixed: Fixed implies something has been set in place, while immutable implies it is its nature to be unchanging.

mutable: Mutable describes something that is prone to change or capable of being changed.
variable: Variable describes something that fluctuates or changes frequently.

Commonly confused with

permanent: Permanent means lasting for a long time, but immutable means it cannot be changed.

Word family

immutability (noun): The quality of being unchangeable.
immutably (adverb): In a way that cannot be changed.

Collocations

immutable laws
immutable facts
immutable principles
immutable destiny

Example sentences

"The laws of physics are often regarded as immutable truths that govern the behavior of the entire universe." Science
"He believed that human nature was immutable, and that progress was merely an illusion of changing technology." Philosophy

Memory hook

Think of a 'mute' person—they don't change their silence. Immutable means no change. Immutable = Im- (not) + Mutable (changeable).

When not to use

Don't use it for someone who is just stubborn; use 'obstinate' or 'steadfast' instead.

Fun facts

In computer programming, an 'immutable object' is an object whose state cannot be modified after it is created.