Words / C2

i-MYOOT-uh-bl/ɪˈmjuːtəbl/

Immutable means unable to be changed (formal): an immutable law, treat as immutable. Unchangeable is the plain cousin; mute is silent — different. Invariable is “always the same”. In computing, immutable data cannot be altered in place. Do not call a stubborn person immutable unless you mean it as a joke; use obstinate.

Meaning

Unable to be changed (formal).

Examples

• “They treated the timetable as immutable, which it was not.”
• “An immutable string in code is a technical fact; an immutable prejudice is a moral problem.”

Good to know

Unchangeable (formal). Plain: unchangeable. Mix-up: mute (silent). People: obstinate, not immutable (except metaphor).

Near in meaning

unchangeable

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