Definition

Noun: The quality or state of being unchangeable over time or incapable of being altered. It refers to a permanent, fixed, or constant condition.

Usage

"Immutability" is a formal term used to describe the permanent and unchanging nature of something, often in abstract, philosophical, scientific, or technological contexts. It emphasizes absolute stability and resistance to any form of modification.

Examples

• The doctrine emphasized the immutability of divine law.
• Scientists once believed in the immutability of the continents' positions.
• A key feature of blockchain technology is the immutability of its ledger.

Advanced Usage

• "immutability of the laws of nature": A philosophical concept stating that fundamental physical laws are constant and do not change.
  • The theory relies on the assumed immutability of the laws of nature across the universe.
• In computer science, particularly in functional programming, "immutability" refers to data objects that cannot be modified after they are created.
  • Using immutability in code helps prevent unintended side effects and bugs.

Variants and Related Words

• Immutable (adj): Not subject or susceptible to change.
  • The rules were considered immutable.
• Mutability (n): The quality of being capable of change. (This is the direct antonym).
  • The mutability of fashion trends is well-known.

Synonyms

• Unchangeableness
• Permanence
• Fixity
• Constancy
• Invariability

Antonyms

• Mutability
• Changeability
• Variability
• Fluidity

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Immutability thesis: A philosophical position arguing that certain entities (e.g., species, moral truths) are fixed and unchanging.
  • Darwin's theory of evolution directly contradicted the immutability thesis regarding species.

Noun

1. the quality of being incapable of mutation
   • Darwin challenged the fixity of species