noun
Uncommon
reversal
rih-VUR-suhl
Reversal (noun) means a change to the opposite direction, position, or outcome. Example: “The court's decision was a stunning reversal of the earlier ruling.”
noun
1
A change to the opposite direction, position, or outcome.
"Running via Aston would require a reversal at New Street and this will be taken into account during the planning and normal industry testing processes."
— Tony Miles, Chase Line service to be split next May (2019)
"The court's decision was a stunning reversal of the earlier ruling."
"His fortunes underwent a sudden reversal after the merger fell through."
How to use reversal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA complete switch to the opposite of what was happening before.
Common pairings
a reversal of fortune
policy reversal
sudden reversal
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Word forms
- Plural
- reversals
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The court's decision was a stunning _____ of the earlier ruling.
Etymology
From Middle English reversall, formed from reverse plus the suffix -al.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for reversal
See all rhymes for reversal →Frequently asked questions
What does “reversal” mean?
The word “reversal” means a change to the opposite direction, position, or outcome. In plain terms, a complete switch to the opposite of what was happening before.
How do you pronounce “reversal”?
“Reversal” is pronounced rih-VUR-suhl (/ɹɪˈvɜː(ɹ)səl/ in IPA).
How do you use “reversal” in a sentence?
Here is “reversal” used in a sentence: “The court's decision was a stunning reversal of the earlier ruling.”
What is another word for “reversal”?
Words with a similar meaning to “reversal” include reversion and about-face.
What part of speech is “reversal”?
“Reversal” is a noun.
Where does the word “reversal” come from?
The word “reversal” comes from Middle English. From Middle English reversall, formed from reverse plus the suffix -al.
Is “reversal” a common word?
“Reversal” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a reversal and a setback?
A reversal is a change to the opposite direction, position, or outcome, meaning things move against a previous course entirely, while a setback is a temporary difficulty or delay that does not necessarily change the overall direction. A team can suffer a setback without experiencing a full reversal of fortune.
What is the difference between reversal and reversion?
Reversal describes a change to the opposite outcome or direction, such as a court reversing a decision, while reversion describes a return to a previous state or condition. A legal reversal overturns a ruling, whereas a reversion might describe land returning to its original owner.
What does reversal mean in a legal context?
In a legal context, a reversal occurs when a higher court overturns the decision of a lower court, changing the outcome to the opposite of what was originally decided. This is a specific application of the general sense of reversal as a change to the opposite direction or outcome.
