rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryimmobilityLack of movement
noun

immobility

im-uh-BIL-uh-tee/ˌɪməˈbɪləti/

The state of being unable to move or remaining still.

Long periods of immobility can make your muscles stiff and sore.

Wrist held still by rigid brace.
Etymology
imLatinnot
+mobilLatinmovable
+ityLatinstate or quality

The quality ending turns “not movable” into the name of a condition. Immobility names the fixed or unmovable state rather than describing a person or object directly.

In context

Wild Waters - Animal Documentaries15:59
Dr. Ritter and Gary Atkinson demonstrate a unique phenomenon called tonic immobility. The sharks are rendered immobile when inverted. This allows close study of the animals and aids divers in removing embedded fishing hooks.
Face to Face With 100 Sharks: Witnessing a Feeding Frenzy

More examples

  • The injury causes temporary immobility in her left arm.
  • Fear freezes him into complete immobility.
  • The rabbit's immobility makes it hard to spot in the grass.

Forms

immobile adjective — Unable to move or remaining still.

Similar words

stillness
Emphasizes lack of movement, not necessarily inability to move.
paralysis
Specifically describes loss of the ability to move muscles.