immutability

[ ih-myoo-tuh-bil-i-tee ]

noun

1. the state or condition of being unchangeable:

   These findings contradict previous myths about the genetic immutability of intelligence at birth.

   The ancient Christian doctrine of God's immutability states that God doesn't change, has never changed, and will never change.

2. Computers. (in object-oriented programming) the characteristic of an object with a fixed structure and properties whose values cannot be changed:

   Informing the compiler about the immutability of the variable allows for optimizing the code and logic behind the implementation of the code.

Word History and Origins

Origin of immutability¹

immutabl(e) + -ity

Example Sentences

We were being socialized to believe that a lopsided power dynamic is immutable.

From Nautilus

The science of reading is more about reducing ignorance than finding ultimate, immutable truths applicable to every child.

From Washington Post

The first is rather immutable, before it sets up the structure of a sentence.

From Singularity Hub 

A modern pattern which relies on immutable Objects from a newer library is more stable.

From Search Engine Land

Whole blocks of code may need to be written in order for your application to accommodate the fact that variable values assigned using Moment somewhere in a call chain can’t be counted on as immutable values inside your application codebase.

From Search Engine Land

AIPAC officials have long argued that American aid “has come to represent the immutability of the U.S.-Israel alliance.”

From The Daily Beast

Notwithstanding His immutability, God is, in all the religions of this world, a veritable Proteus.

From Project Gutenberg

Elsewhere223 we have shown that even this very celestial Soul cannot partake of the perfect immutability of intelligible things.

From Project Gutenberg

No; he is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever; and it is his immutability that plunges me into despair.

From Project Gutenberg

We left the place not without reflection upon the immutability of things that are earthly.

From Project Gutenberg

We need not, then, regard Immutability of the Law as a fundamental dogma with Maimonides.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• durability
• longevity
• persistence