Word
irreversible
Phoneticsir·re·versible
US/ˌɪɹɪˈvɝsəbəɫ/
UK/ɪɹɪvˈɜːsəbəl/
Definition
adj. impossible to change back to how it was before. You use this to describe a choice or a physical change that is permanent.
adj. impossible to reverse, undo, or return to a previous condition. Often used in medical, environmental, or legal contexts to describe permanent consequences.
Examples
“The damage to the old painting is irreversible.”
“Scientists warn that the melting of the polar ice caps could reach an irreversible tipping point within decades.”
“While some policy shifts are merely temporary adjustments, the constitutional amendment represents an irreversible change to the nation's legal framework that cannot be undone by a simple majority vote.”
Examples
simple
“The damage to the old painting is irreversible.”
contextual
“Scientists warn that the melting of the polar ice caps could reach an irreversible tipping point within decades.”
complex
“While some policy shifts are merely temporary adjustments, the constitutional amendment represents an irreversible change to the nation's legal framework that cannot be undone by a simple majority vote.”
Usage
Often follows a linking verb like 'be', 'become', or 'seem'.
Real-World Examples
“NRW classified the most serious damage as a Category 2 impact, defined as "significant harm to an SSSI habitat, with deep ruts causing long-term, irreversible hydrological damage that limits natural recovery".” “An irreversible collapse of the AMOC might not occur.” Etymology
From ir- + reversible.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/irreversible