# immutable infrastructure

CEFR C1 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/immutable-infrastructure
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

a way of managing computer systems where you never change a server after it is set up. If you need to update something, you replace the old server with a brand new one instead of fixing it.

For teachers: an IT deployment strategy where components are replaced rather than modified after they are provisioned. This approach ensures consistency across environments by treating servers as disposable units that are redeployed from a common image for every update.

## Examples

- Our team uses immutable infrastructure to make our software updates safer.
- By adopting immutable infrastructure, the engineering team eliminated the risk of configuration drift between their testing and production environments.
- The shift toward immutable infrastructure allows for more predictable scaling and recovery, as every instance is an exact replica of a verified version-controlled image rather than a uniquely patched machine.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in cloud computing and DevOps contexts; often contrasted with 'mutable infrastructure'.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.