immutability

American  

[ih-myoo-tuh-bil-i-tee] / ɪˌmyu təˈbɪl ɪ ti /

Rarely immutableness

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.

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Etymology

Origin of immutability

immutabl(e) + -ity

Example Sentences

A blockchain is a distributed ledger that that records transactions in a way that ensures security, transparency, and immutability.

From Science Daily • May 10, 2024

Kasdan liked the metaphor of “the immutability of the canyon” — where the characters actually drive to in the film’s finale.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 21, 2021

Their charm lies in their relative immutability; Anthony remains golden-hearted, hilariously cutting and brash, and Stanford is gentle, self-deprecating, honest and supportive as ever.

From Salon • Dec. 9, 2021

It is one that is common to all those considered the finest defensive players of their generation: a sense of immutability and impermeability, that there is no way through and no way past.

From New York Times • Oct. 2, 2020

This fuzziness surrounding the rules was a strange counterpoint to the solidity of Sing Sing’s walls, the seeming immutability of the prison.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

Related Words

• durability
• longevity
• persistence