immutability

[ ih-myoo-tuh-bil-i-tee ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of immutability¹

immutabl(e) + -ity

Example Sentences

Whatever else has collapsed, the immutability of “It’s fun to stay at the Y-M-C-A” is the one thing we can all still rely upon.

From Slate

The order, Little argued in the lawsuit, was in “direct conflict” with his “traditional Christian beliefs regarding the moral illicitness of same-sex activity, the immutability of sex regardless of gender identity, and the view that all people are children of God regardless of their skin color.”

From Los Angeles Times

He informed them that he was a devout evangelical who “adheres to traditional Christian beliefs regarding the moral illicitness of same-sex activity, the immutability of sex regardless of gender identity, and the view that all people are children of God regardless of their skin color” according to the lawsuit.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Science Daily

As reported in Axios, state efforts to restrict various forms of transgender medicine are being fueled by religious groups that aim to shape policy based on their strongly held beliefs around the immutability of gender and family.

From Salon

Related Words

• durability
• longevity
• persistence