immobility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "immobility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being unable to move or a lack of movement in various contexts, such as physical, emotional, or social situations. Example: "The accident resulted in his immobility, leaving him confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Achieving this, he said, was not a matter of choosing between "liberal and social" but between "immobility and action".

The Economist

Meanwhile, the CalSTRS unfunded liabilities grow by $22m a day.The third problem is perhaps the most serious: a crisis of poverty and social immobility, particularly among Latinos (who will soon be the state's biggest ethnic group).

The Economist

So this will not feel to the Palestinians like any end to the hated occupation.Is immobility really the only alternative to Mr Olmert's unilateralism?

The Economist

Glance at data on income inequality and economic immobility and you'd be forgiven for concluding that America is closer to oligarchy than workers' paradise.

The Economist

By the time they go into nursing care, their condition has often deteriorated to include immobility, incontinence and dementia.

The Economist

Better known as "sleepy sickness", it was an epidemic that swept through Europe after the first world war, condemning many of its victims to a lifetime of silence and immobility.

The Economist

After decades of relative immobility, the party landscape started to shift in the early 1990s, when the SVP gained some ground on its rivals.

The Economist

Factories are closing; many of the cranes on the Bangkok skyline are frozen in ornamental immobility; new holding centres are being built near the border with Myanmar to shelter laid-off migrant workers awaiting deportation.

The Economist

Other economists use similar techniques to reveal comparable immobility in societies from 19th-century Spain to post-Qing-dynasty China.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Play somewhere when you can't grip the club properly because your glove is so wet, or you're swaddled by layers into near-immobility, or you risk being blown over if you attempt any sort of weight transfer through your swing, or possibly all three simultaneously, and you're not going to be rushing back.

Independent

"In a world moving so fast," he told the conference sternly, "nothing would be more dramatic for our country than immobility .The week's theatrics underline how the system bogs down reform.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing social or economic issues, use "immobility" to highlight a lack of progress or movement. For instance, "social immobility" describes a situation where individuals struggle to improve their socioeconomic status.

Common error

Avoid using "immobility" when "inertia" is more appropriate. "Inertia" refers to a tendency to remain unchanged, while "immobility" specifically denotes a lack of movement. "The government's inertia on climate change is concerning" is different from "The patient's immobility was due to the stroke".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "immobility" is that of a noun. Ludwig AI analysis and examples demonstrate that "immobility" typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a state or condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Unknown/unmatched sources

29%

Academic sources

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "immobility" functions as a noun, denoting the state of being unable to move or a lack of movement, whether physical, social, or economic. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across varied contexts. The phrase appears frequently in news articles, encyclopedia entries and scientific papers, showcasing its application in both general and specialized discussions. While synonyms like /s/lack+of+movement and /s/inactivity exist, "immobility" carries a specific weight, often highlighting challenges associated with stagnation. Remember to differentiate "immobility" from "inertia" to maintain precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of movement

This alternative directly describes the absence of motion, which is a core aspect of "immobility".

inability to move

This phrase describes the incapacity for movement, specifying the inability rather than the state.

motionlessness

A direct synonym emphasizing the absence of motion.

state of inaction

This phrase emphasizes the absence of activity or progress, relating to the broader implications of "immobility".

lack of progress

This phrase focuses on the absence of advancement or development, often associated with "immobility" in a figurative sense.

state of stagnation

Conveys a sense of being stuck or unchanging, often used in economic or social contexts.

physical inactivity

This is a more specific case, explicitly relating to the body.

absence of change

Focuses on the lack of alteration or modification, a broader concept linked to "immobility".

lack of dynamism

Highlights the absence of energy and vitality, which is a core aspect of "immobility".

fixed position

Highlights the stationary aspect of "immobility".

FAQs

How can I use "immobility" in a sentence?

"Immobility" is used to describe the state of not moving or being unable to move. For example, "The accident resulted in his immobility". It can also refer to a lack of social or economic progress.

What are some synonyms for "immobility"?

Alternatives include /s/lack+of+movement, /s/stationariness, and /s/inactivity. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "immobility" the same as "paralysis"?

While both relate to a lack of movement, "immobility" is a broader term. /s/Paralysis refers specifically to the loss of muscle function, while "immobility" can describe a more general state of being unable to move, whether due to physical limitations, external constraints, or other factors.

How does "immobility" relate to social and economic discussions?

In socio-economic contexts, "immobility" often refers to the lack of upward mobility or progress within a society. It describes situations where individuals or groups are unable to improve their social or economic standing, contributing to inequality and stagnation.