irreversible

[ir-i-vur-suh-buhl]

adjective

1. not reversible; incapable of being changed.

   His refusal is irreversible.

irreversible

/ ˌɪrɪˈvɜːsəbəl /

adjective

1. not able to be reversed

   the irreversible flow of time

2. not able to be revoked or repealed; irrevocable

3. chem physics capable of changing or producing a change in one direction only

   an irreversible reaction

4. thermodynamics (of a change, process, etc) occurring through a number of intermediate states that are not all in thermodynamic equilibrium

Other Word Forms

• irreversibility noun
• irreversibleness noun
• irreversibly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of irreversible¹

First recorded in 1620–30; ir- ² + reversible

Related Words

• inevitable 
• permanent