immutable
Americanadjective
-
not mutable; unchangeable; changeless.
-
Computers. (in object-oriented programming) of or noting an object with a fixed structure and properties whose values cannot be changed.
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of immutable
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin immūtābilis; see im- 2, mutable
Explanation
If you can't change it, it's immutable. There are many things in life that are immutable; these unchangeable things include death, taxes, and the laws of physics. The adjective immutable has Latin roots that mean "not changeable." The Latin prefix for not is in, but the spelling changes when the prefix is put before the consonant m. It is im before a root word starting with m as in immutable. If you learn this rule, you'll know the immutable fact that immutable begins with i-m-m.
Vocabulary lists containing immutable
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" by Jonathan Edwards
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Art can have immutable significance to us regardless of what its creators are alleged to have done; thus, the supposed absolution offered by the notion of separating the art from the artist.
From Salon • May 14, 2026
Those who rely on “settled science” as immutable fact should exercise humility and acknowledge that what is settled today may be unsettled tomorrow.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026
This is proof of his optimization skills, not some immutable law of the universe.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026
Even if we do, that doesn’t change this immutable fact: How a person comes to know David Bowie cements the version of him living forever in your memory and soul.
From Salon • Jan. 24, 2026
But Galileo described nature as inexorable and immutable, and it is very hard to understand how there can be exceptions of any sort to Descartes’ laws.
From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
