# reversible

/ɹiˈvɝsəbəɫ/ (US) · /ɹɪvˈɜːsəbəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/reversible
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

describing something that can be changed back to how it was before. You can also use it for clothes that can be worn with either side facing out.

For teachers: capable of being undone or returned to a previous state; in thermodynamics, describing a process that can be inverted without leaving any change in the surroundings.

## Examples

- The damage to the car is reversible.
- The court ruled that the decision was reversible if new evidence came to light during the appeal.
- In classical thermodynamics, a reversible process occurs infinitely slowly, allowing the system to remain in equilibrium with its surroundings throughout the entire transition.

## Usage notes

- Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be' or 'seem'; also used attributively to describe garments or chemical reactions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.