Irreversible Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ɪˌrɛvərˈsɪbəl/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Adjective

Definition

Something that cannot be reversed, changed, or undone; impossible to bring back to a previous state or condition.

Examples

• The doctor said the surgery was irreversible, and the patient would never regain their vision.
• She realized that her decision to quit her job was irreversible and began to adjust to her new life.

Synonyms

• Permanent
• Unrecoverable

Antonyms

• Reversible
• Reparable

Additional Information

A change or decision is considered irreversible when it cannot be undone, reversed, or altered in any way. This can be both physical and emotional, and examples include medical procedures, financial transactions, or the decision to take a particular path in life. Irreversible actions can have significant consequences and should be carefully considered before taking.

In many cases, irreversible decisions are made unintentionally, such as selling a valuable item or getting a tattoo. However, in other cases, irreversible actions may be taken as a deliberate choice, like ending a relationship or quitting a job. Whatever the reason, it is essential to be aware of the potential outcomes and consequences of making an irreversible decision.

Etymology

The word “irreversible” comes from the Latin “irreversibilis,” which means “cannot be turned back.” This Latin term is a combination of the prefix “ir-” meaning “not” or “reverse,” and the suffix “-versibilis” meaning “turning back” or “able to be turned.”

Usage Notes

The word “irreversible” is often used in formal and academic contexts, such as medicine, finance, and law. It can be used in both active and passive voice, and the verb form “irreversibly” can also be used to describe the action of making something irreversible.

Cultural References

In popular culture, the concept of irreversibility is often explored in science fiction and dramatic stories. Films like “The Matrix” and “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” touch on the idea of irreversible changes, and books like “1984” and “The Handmaid’s Tale” explore the consequences of irreversible decisions.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Related Words or Phrases

• Irreversible change
• Unremediable

Collocations

• irreversible consequences
• irreversible damage

Frequency of Use

The word “irreversible” is relatively uncommon in everyday language but is widely used in academic and professional contexts.

Common Misspellings

• Irreversable
• Irrevirerable