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 not able to be revoked or repealed; irrevocable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

Example Sentences

The charity says more than two million people are living with sight loss in the UK and half of them are blind and partially sighted and live with a long-term irreversible eye health condition.

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The Saudis have also made it very clear in a series of public statements that it also cannot happen without a clear and irreversible path to an independent Palestinian state.

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SB 323 would ban all abortions in the state except for those performed in medical emergencies or to prevent a pregnant person from suffering death or major, irreversible harm.

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Not having a transplant at the right time can have an irreversible impact on a patient's mental and physical health, said Anthony Nolan, and sometimes leave them in a life-threatening condition.

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The New York Declaration committed signatories including Britain to taking "tangible, timebound and irreversible steps for the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine."

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Related Words

• inevitable 
• permanent