adjective C2 Proficient

irrevocable

ih-REH-vuh-kuh-buhl

Irrevocable (adjective) means Impossible to take back, cancel, or change once it has been made. Example: “His decision to resign was irrevocable.”

adjective

Impossible to take back, cancel, or change once it has been made.

"His decision to resign was irrevocable."

"The bank issued an irrevocable letter of credit for the deal."

How to use irrevocable

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishFinal and unchangeable — once done, it cannot be reversed.

Easily confused with

irreversible →

Common pairings

an irrevocable decision irrevocable trust irrevocable commitment

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His decision to resign was _____.

Etymology

From Middle French irrévocable, from Latin irrevocabilis, built from ir- plus revoke plus -able.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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irrevokable

Rhymes for irrevocable

able fable cable table viable liable stable tenable parable affable amiable notable

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Frequently asked questions

What does “irrevocable” mean?

The word “irrevocable” means impossible to take back, cancel, or change once it has been made. In plain terms, final and unchangeable — once done, it cannot be reversed.

How do you pronounce “irrevocable”?

“Irrevocable” is pronounced ih-REH-vuh-kuh-buhl (/iˈɹɛvəkəbəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “irrevocable” in a sentence?

Here is “irrevocable” used in a sentence: “His decision to resign was irrevocable.”

What part of speech is “irrevocable”?

“Irrevocable” is an adjective.

Where does the word “irrevocable” come from?

The word “irrevocable” comes from Latin. From Middle French irrévocable, from Latin irrevocabilis, built from ir- plus revoke plus -able.

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