irreversible

American  

[ir-i-vur-suh-buhl] / ˌɪr ɪˈvɜr sə bəl /

adjective

1. not reversible; incapable of being changed.

   His refusal is irreversible.

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irreversible British  

/ ˌɪrɪˈvɜːsəbəl /

adjective

1. not able to be reversed

   the irreversible flow of time

2. not able to be revoked or repealed; irrevocable

3. chem physics capable of changing or producing a change in one direction only

   an irreversible reaction

4. thermodynamics (of a change, process, etc) occurring through a number of intermediate states that are not all in thermodynamic equilibrium

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Other Word Forms

• irreversibility noun
• irreversibleness noun
• irreversibly adverb

Etymology

Origin of irreversible

First recorded in 1620–30; ir- ² + reversible

Example Sentences

IPF is a chronic, progressive lung disease characterized by irreversible scarring and stiffening of lung tissue.

From Barron's

The International Committee of the Red Cross demanded a halt to the "war on essential infrastructure" in the Middle East, warning of potential "irreversible consequences" including harm to nuclear facilities.

From Barron's

Nonetheless, the degradation of the Islamic Republic as a military and nuclear power has been enormous and is likely irreversible.

From The Wall Street Journal

They include having a "serious and incurable illness", making a "voluntary request that is not the result of external pressure" and being in an "advanced state of irreversible decline in capability".

From BBC

"Especially in cities and in places with low knowledge about balanced diets, a price shock can worsen the quality of nutrition such that the consequences are long term and irreversible."

From Science Daily

Related Words

• inevitable
• permanent