immovable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "immovable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that cannot be moved or is fixed in place, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The statue stood immovable in the center of the park, a testament to the artist's skill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a great premise for a movie, and the scenes in which the unstoppable force of Walt Disney meets the immovable object of PL Travers are terrific – as are those in which she is driven around by a needlessly chirpy chauffeur (Paul Giamatti), and faces down screenwriter Don DaGradi Bradley Whitfordd) and songwriting brothers Robert and Richard Sherman (BJ Novak and Jason Schwartzman).

The Guardian - Film

It may be 30 years since Beyond Thunderdome, the film might have hopped a continent (exteriors were filmed in Namibia) and now fronted by an international cast of movie stars led by a Brit (Tom Hardy) and a South African (Charlize Theron), but the quintessential antipodean humour, sensibility and vision is integral and immovable.

The Guardian - Film

Immovable object meets Fijian rock at high-velocity.

The Guardian - Sport

After Mr Obama's lofty rhetoric ran up against the immovable obstinacy of an entrenched Republican-majority Congress, America may be ready for leadership by prose rather than through poetry.

The Guardian - Opinion

A study by the OECD suggests that taxes on immovable property are the most growth-friendly of all major taxes.

The Economist

A puff of steam on the Plains Saved by smokers The Lord Protector Reprints Related items America, Israel and the Palestinians: When an irresistible Zinni meets an immovable SharonNov 22nd 2001 Israel and the Palestinians: Powell, the pusher and prodderNov 22nd 2001On November 19th, Colin Powell, the secretary of state, committed America to restarting the peace process for the umpteenth time.

The Economist

After all, it was only 11 years ago that Vaclav Havel, the Czechs' playwright president, was himself a protester who had been in and out of prison all his adult life for opposing an apparently immovable regime.

The Economist

And far from backing Israel militarily and diplomatically, Turkey has become a leading critic.Special report Anchors aweigh Doing it by the book The Davutoglu effect A fading European dream Immovable object Balance of power All Turks together?

The Economist

The job almost no one wants Something new Sarah Palin reloads Reprints Related items Economics focus: Green with envyNov 19th 2009 The price of cleanlinessOct 22nd 2009Big developing countries have been as immovable as America, at least publicly.

The Economist

The lesson of the past decade is that the secularists have cried wolf too often and as a result have lost most of their battles with AK.Special report Anchors aweigh Doing it by the book The Davutoglu effect A fading European dream Immovable object Balance of power All Turks together?

The Economist

But the immovable object is being battered by irresistible forces, including demographic change and the demands of the economy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "immovable" to describe abstract concepts like beliefs or policies, ensure the context clearly indicates the resistance to change or influence.

Common error

While "immovable" is a strong and descriptive word, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "fixed" or "stable" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "immovable" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that cannot be moved physically or metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms that it’s widely used to denote a state of being fixed, resistant to change, or unyielding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

27%

Science

26%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "immovable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It describes something that cannot be moved, either physically or metaphorically, and is used across various contexts, including news, formal writing, and even science. While it's a versatile word, it's best to ensure its strength aligns with the context, opting for simpler alternatives in more casual settings. Consider related phrases like "unyielding" or "fixed" depending on the nuance you aim to convey. The usage of the word is correct in various contexts and the provided examples confirm its effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unyielding

Emphasizes resistance to pressure or influence, highlighting a firm stance.

fixed

Focuses on the state of being firmly in place and unchanging.

unshakable

Highlights the inability to be moved or swayed, often used in a metaphorical sense.

steadfast

Implies a firm and unwavering commitment or position.

resolute

Emphasizes a firm determination and unwillingness to compromise.

firm

Indicates a strong and unchangeable position or stance.

intransigent

Suggests an extreme unwillingness to compromise or change position.

obdurate

Implies a stubborn refusal to change one's opinion or course of action.

entrenched

Describes something deeply established and difficult to change.

permanent

Focuses on the lasting and unchangeable nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "immovable" in a sentence?

You can use "immovable" to describe something physically fixed, like "The statue was immovable", or to describe an unchangeable stance, like "His decision was immovable".

What words can I use instead of "immovable"?

Alternatives to "immovable" include "unyielding", "fixed", or "unshakable", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "immovable object"?

Yes, "immovable object" is a common phrase, often used in the context of the "unstoppable force paradox", where an unstoppable force meets an immovable object.

What is the difference between "immovable" and "immobile"?

"Immovable" describes something incapable of being moved, while "immobile" describes something not moving. "Immovable" focuses on the potential to be moved, whereas "immobile" focuses on the current state of motion. For example, use "immobile" when describing a broken-down car.