irrevocable
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
- irrevocability noun
- irrevocableness noun
- irrevocably adverb
- nonirrevocability noun
- nonirrevocable adjective
- nonirrevocableness noun
Etymology
Origin of irrevocable
First recorded in 1350–1400; a Middle English word from the Latin word irrevocābilis; ir- 2, revocable
Explanation
If you're on a diet but eat one tiny piece of chocolate, it might start an irrevocable slide into bad eating. Describe something as irrevocable if it cannot be undone or taken back. If you break down irrevocable, you wind up with ir "not," re "back" and vocable from the Latin vocare "to call." So if something is irrevocable, you cannot call it back — it is permanent. You must fulfill an irrevocable promise and live with an irrevocable decision. A law is irrevocable if it states within the law that it cannot be nullified. Now that's final!
Vocabulary lists containing irrevocable
Grade 9, List 3
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"The Black Cat" by Edgar Allan Poe
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The Bluest Eye
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Having part of the couple’s money tied up in an irrevocable trust means it is difficult for the widow or widower to make future changes, such as removing a child as a beneficiary.
From Barron's • Feb. 28, 2026
Due to a quirk in an irrevocable trust, it’s all or nothing for him.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026
Rather than the claimed irrevocable goodbye to Epstein, as the year ended Andrew sent an optimistic message: "Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and spectacular entry into 2011."
From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026
When I requested documents from the attorney still in practice, I received an unsigned irrevocable trust describing the $500,000 as a loan, not a gift.
From MarketWatch • Feb. 2, 2026
“Thursday,” Archie said, a command in his voice, no nonsense, final, irrevocable.
From "The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
