adjective Uncommon

irreversible

ihr-ih-VUR-suh-buhl

Irreversible (adjective) means Impossible to change back to how it was before; permanent. Example: “The surgery caused irreversible damage to her hearing.”

adjective

Impossible to change back to how it was before; permanent.

"The surgery caused irreversible damage to her hearing."

"Climate change is causing some irreversible effects on coral reefs."

(science) Describing a process that cannot run backwards without extra energy being added.

"Mixing two gases together is an irreversible process in thermodynamics."

How to use irreversible

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething that, once done, cannot be undone.

Common pairings

irreversible damage irreversible decision irreversible process

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The surgery caused _____ damage to her hearing.

Etymology

Formed from ir- ("not") plus reversible.

Rhymes for irreversible

Bible edible legible visible audible fungible feasible tangible possible flexible gullible sensible

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Frequently asked questions

What does “irreversible” mean?

The word “irreversible” means impossible to change back to how it was before; permanent. In plain terms, something that, once done, cannot be undone.

How do you pronounce “irreversible”?

“Irreversible” is pronounced ihr-ih-VUR-suh-buhl (/ˌɪr.ɪˈvɝ.sə.bəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “irreversible” in a sentence?

Here is “irreversible” used in a sentence: “The surgery caused irreversible damage to her hearing.”

What part of speech is “irreversible”?

“Irreversible” is an adjective.

Is “irreversible” a common word?

“Irreversible” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “irreversible” have?

“Irreversible” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: impossible to change back to how it was before; permanent.

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12 letter words