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Meaning & use

immovable

adjective·Academic

Last updated

UK/ɪˈmuːvəbl/
US/ɪˈmuːvəbl/

Meanings

  1. adjectivenot comparable

    Impossible to move because it is fixed very firmly in place.

    Grammar: Used before a noun or after linking verbs like be, seem, stay: the safe was immovable.

    Patterns

    • be immovable
    • an immovable object
    • remain immovable

    The old stone statue was so heavy that it seemed immovable.

    We tried to push the piano, but it was immovable.

    The roots had grown around the pipe, making it immovable.

  2. adjectivenot comparable

    Refusing to change your opinion, decision, or plan.

    Grammar: Often used after be or remain, and commonly followed by on: immovable on the issue.

    Patterns

    • be immovable on something
    • remain immovable
    • an immovable belief

    My grandfather is immovable on the question of selling the farm.

    The committee remained immovable despite our arguments.

    She has an immovable belief that hard work always pays off.

  3. adjectivebefore a nounlegal

    Not able to be changed or removed by law or official rule.

    Grammar: Mainly used before nouns in legal and formal writing: immovable property.

    Patterns

    • immovable property
    • an immovable right

    In many countries, land is treated as immovable property.

    The contract gave the workers certain immovable rights.

Common combinations

immovable object
An unstoppable force meets an immovable object.
remain immovable
The government remained immovable on the tax question.
immovable property
The lawyer explained how immovable property is taxed.
immovable on the issue
Both sides were immovable on the issue of pay.

Synonyms and how they differ

fixed
Fixed describes something fastened or set in place; it is more neutral and does not suggest stubborn refusal.
stubborn
Stubborn applies only to people or attitudes, not to physical objects, and is slightly disapproving.
stationary
Stationary means not moving at a particular moment, but the thing could still be moved later.

Opposites

movableflexible

Word family

immovably adverb
In a way that cannot be moved or changed.
immovability noun
The quality of being impossible to move or change.
move verb
To change position or place.

Commonly confused: immovable or unmovable? immovable or irremovable?

immovable vs unmovable

Unmovable is a rare variant of immovable; immovable is the usual spelling in modern English.

immovable vs irremovable

Irremovable means impossible to remove from a job or position, not impossible to move physically.

Practice

The union leader was ______ on the question of overtime pay and refused every compromise.

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