Irreversible Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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irreversible

[ɪˈrɛvərsəbl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

chemical reaction

Not capable of being reversed, undone, or altered.

Synonyms

irreparable, irrevocable, permanent.

Examples of usage

  • The chemical reaction is irreversible, once it has occurred it cannot be undone.
  • The irreversible process led to a permanent change in the substance.
Context #2 | Adjective

decision

Impossible to change, reverse, or recover.

Synonyms

final, irreparable, irrevocable.

Examples of usage

  • His decision to quit his job was irreversible; he couldn't take it back.
  • The irreversible consequences of his actions became apparent too late.
Context #3 | Adjective

health condition

Not able to be reversed or recovered; incurable.

Synonyms

incurable, irremediable, permanent.

Examples of usage

  • The damage to his lungs was irreversible and would worsen over time.
  • The irreversible effects of the disease left him with a permanent disability.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In thermodynamics, certain reactions are labeled irreversible because they result in a net increase in entropy, meaning they cannot spontaneously revert.
  • Chemical processes like rusting or cooking an egg are excellent examples of irreversible changes where the starting material cannot be recovered.

Psychology

  • In behavioral psychology, some decisions are considered irreversible due to the impact they have on an individual's mindset and future choices.
  • The concept of irreversible emotions highlights how certain experiences can permanently alter one's emotional state.

Environment

  • Habitat destruction can lead to irreversible damage to ecosystems, making recovery of native species and habitats nearly impossible.
  • Climate change effects, such as species extinction and melting ice caps, represent irreversible shifts that challenge future generations.

Art

  • Certain art techniques, like watercolor, often yield irreversible changes once the paint dries, as it can't be effectively altered afterward.
  • In performance art, mistakes can lead to irreversible moments that shape the direction of the piece and impact the audience's experience.

Origin of 'irreversible'

Main points about word origin

  • The word combines the prefix 'ir-', meaning 'not', with 'reversible', which comes from Latin roots meaning 'to turn back'.
  • The use of 'irreversible' in English traces back to the late 18th century, significantly shaping discussions in science and philosophy.

The word 'irreversible' originated from the prefix 'ir-' meaning 'not' or 'opposite of' and the word 'reversible', which comes from the Latin 'reversibilis' meaning 'able to be turned back'. The concept of irreversibility is fundamental in various fields such as physics, chemistry, and decision-making, emphasizing the permanence or inability to reverse certain processes or actions.


See also: irreversibly, reversal, reverse, reversed, reverser, reversing, reversion.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,479, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.