unalterable

IPA/ʌnˈɔːltərəbl/
KK[ənˈɔltɚəbəl]IPA/ʌnˈɔːltərəbl/

unalterable — adjective

  • unalterablepositive
  • more unalterablecomparative
  • most unalterablesuperlative

1. Fixed in a way that does not allow any later change.

1.adjectiveC1
Definition

Fixed in a way that does not allow any later change.

Example

The judge said the deadline was unalterable after the final notice.

pattern: be + unalterable

Aiko treated the museum's unalterable rules with complete seriousness.

collocation: unalterable rules

Common collocations
  • unalterable fact
  • unalterable law
  • unalterable rule
  • unalterable principle
  • unalterable decision
Synonyms
  • unchangeable

    More common and less formal than 'unalterable'; both describe something that cannot be changed.

  • fixed

    Commoner and broader; 'unalterable' stresses that later change is impossible or forbidden.

  • immutable

    More formal and often used in philosophical, legal, or technical contexts.

Antonyms
  • changeable

    Describes something that can be changed.

  • flexible

    Suggests that a rule, plan, or attitude can be adjusted.

Grammar Patterns

unalterable + noun

be + unalterable

Usage Note

Often used in formal writing about rules, decisions, or principles that are presented as fixed and not open to negotiation.

Common Mistakes

The school can unalterable the date.
The school cannot alter the date.
'Unalterable' is an adjective, so it describes something as fixed rather than naming the action of changing it.
The date is very unchange.
The date is unalterable.
Use 'unalterable' when you want a formal adjective meaning that no change is allowed.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

These words all describe something that does not change, but they differ in tone and emphasis. 'Unchangeable' is the most everyday choice and fits ordinary situations. 'Fixed' is even more common, especially for prices, schedules, and plans, but it can simply mean already decided rather than impossible to change. 'Immutable' is the most formal and often appears in legal, philosophical, or technical writing. 'Unalterable' is formal too, but it strongly suggests that change is not allowed or cannot happen after a certain point. You might describe an unalterable rule, an immutable principle, a fixed price, or an unchangeable habit.

unchangeablefixed ↗immutable ↗unalterable ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

  • legally unalterable
  • virtually unalterable

Phrases

  • remain unalterable

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

Formed in English from the verb 'alter' with the negative prefix 'un-' and the adjective ending '-able'. The word developed to describe something that cannot be changed, especially in formal statements about laws, facts, and principles.

First known use

1605

1605, in the meaning defined above