Irreversible Meaning
/ˌɪr.ɪˈvɜː.sə.bəl/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjIncapable of being reversed or turned about or back; incapable of being made to run backwards.
adjIncapable of being reversed, recalled, repealed, or annulled.
Sentence Examples
The death penalty is final and irreversible.
Lead can cause irreversible brain damage.
Many people believe that global warming is irreversible.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
The scientist warned that the damage to the ozone layer is ____, so we cannot fix it.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Climate change is causing ____ changes to the Earth's ecosystems that will affect many future generations.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *né Proto-Indo-European *n̥- Proto-Italic *n̥- Latin in- Latin ir- English ir- English reversible English irreversible From ir- + reversible.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Manganism has been known about since the 19th century, when miners exposed to ores containing manganese[…]began to totter, slur their speech and behave like someone inebriated. The poisoning was irreversible, and soon ended in psychosis and death."
— 2014 April 21, “Subtle effects”, in The Economist, volume 411, number 8884, archived from the original on 25 May 2024:
"“Even under a variety of policies, including plastic product reduction, waste management, and environmental recycling, microplastic pollution is irreversible and escalating.”"
— 2024 December 17, Lex Harvey, “Microplastics are choking our waters. Could a sponge made of squid bones help remove them?”, in CNN, archived from the original on 06 Feb 2025:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
The scientist warned that the damage to the ozone layer is ____, so we cannot fix it.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Climate change is causing ____ changes to the Earth's ecosystems that will affect many future generations.