WordGarden.ioimmovable
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪmˈuːvəbəl/
US
- /ˌɪˈmuvəbəl/
Meanings
Adjective
unable to be moved from a place or position
not willing or able to change an opinion, decision, or attitude
Noun
a piece of property legally treated as fixed in place
Beyond the definition
Imagine a mighty oak tree, rooted deep in the earth - that's immovable. It describes something so firmly fixed or settled that it cannot be moved or changed easily. An immovable object is not just heavy; it stays in place even when force is used against it.
You might describe a stubborn person as having an "immovable opinion," meaning they will not change their mind no matter what you say. A historic monument may also be described as immovable because it is meant to stay where it is. Sometimes, things are literally immovable - like a huge boulder blocking a road after a landslide.
The word immovable describes something that is utterly incapable of being moved, altered, or influenced. It goes beyond simply being heavy or difficult to shift; it implies an absolute resistance to change. Think of the foundations of a building – they are designed to be immovable, providing stability and support.
This quality can apply to physical objects, as in "The ancient statue was too heavy and firmly set in place to be moved." But immovable is often used figuratively. A person with an immovable resolve is someone who is determined and unwavering in their purpose. An immovable principle is a deeply held belief that cannot be compromised.
Historically, the concept of something being "immovable" was tied to ideas about permanence and stability – things considered fixed by fate or divine power. Today, we use it more broadly to describe anything resistant to change, whether physical or abstract.
Consider this: A mountain is immovable in a literal sense. But an immovable habit can be just as difficult to overcome. So, when something refuses to budge – physically, emotionally, or ideologically – you're dealing with something truly immovable.
Examples
- 1
Physical obstacle
The workers had to build the path around an immovable boulder.
- 2
Scheduling
The start date is immovable, so we need everything ready by Monday.
- Patternimmovable date/deadline
a date or deadline that cannot be changed
- 3
Firm opinion
Even after hours of discussion, she remained immovable on the issue.
- Patternimmovable on + issue
not willing to change your opinion
- 4
Facial expression
He listened to the criticism with an immovable expression.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Social forces
In the novel, tradition is treated as an almost immovable force in village life.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- immovableadjectivenoun