What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
paralysis
Example
The patient suffered from paralysis after the accident. [paralysis: noun]
Example
I was struck with paralysis when I saw the spider crawling up my arm. [paralysis: noun]
immobility
Example
The injury resulted in immobility of his legs. [immobility: noun]
Example
The car was stuck in immobility due to the heavy traffic. [immobility: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Immobility is more commonly used than paralysis in everyday language. Immobility is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while paralysis is less common and is typically used in medical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between paralysis and immobility?
Paralysis is a more formal term than immobility, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.