What does immovable mean?
Immovable means unable to be moved, or firmly fixed in place, position, or condition. In its physical sense, it describes an object that cannot be transported or shifted, although in everyday use the word more often has a figurative force: an immovable decision is final, an immovable position is firmly held, and an immovable obstacle is something that cannot readily be overcome. It can also describe a person or principle that is unyielding and resistant to change. The word combines the Latin-derived prefix im-, meaning not or without, with movable. Its associations are therefore both practical and moral: it suggests stability and permanence, but also inflexibility and an unwillingness to adapt. Immovable is especially common in formal writing and in discussions of law, politics, organizations, and personal decisions.
adjectiveNot capable of being moved or changed in position. In figurative use, it describes a person, principle, or situation that is firmly fixed, unyielding, or unaffected by external influence.
- Unable to be moved or transported from its position.
- Fixed in a position or condition and not susceptible to change.
- Unyielding or unwilling to change one's opinion, decision, or course of action.
- Not affected or altered by external circumstances, forces, or influences.
"The council refused to negotiate and remained immovable in its decision."
"The heavy sculpture was secured to an immovable base."
"Her position on the issue was immovable despite repeated pressure from colleagues."
"The shelter provided safety from the storm but could not protect people from an immovable tide."
An immovable object cannot shift its place, but an immovable decision can shape an entire future.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does immovable come from?
Immovable was formed in English from the prefix im-, meaning not, and movable, meaning capable of being moved. Its development reflects the broader use of Latin-derived im- in forms such as impossible and immutable. The root move is shared by movable, mobile, movement, and motive, all of which belong to a family associated with motion or changing position.
Related word forms
How immovable is actually used
The word is formal in tone. It is commonly used figuratively for fixed decisions, principles, attitudes, or circumstances, and is less common as a simple physical description than movable or fixed.
Easily confused with immovable
Unmovable is a common variant of immovable and has nearly the same meaning, though immovable is more formal and is especially frequent in figurative contexts.