Synonyms
Examples of irreversible in a Sentence
He suffered an irreversible loss of vision.
The crisis has done irreversible harm to the countries' relations.
Recent Examples on the Web
But, if Congress insists on standing by as the Justice Department becomes politicized, with some members even encouraging movement in that direction already, the pardon power should be invoked to prevent an irreversible assault on the rule of law.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
This act, like burning one’s ships, speaks to the irreversible choice to move forward without the option of retreating, of charting a new course and never going back, and the act of giving oneself to a cause or belief.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024
When clay layers in aquifers are drained and collapse, the loss of water-storing space is largely irreversible.
—Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 25 Nov. 2024
What could be more anti-democratic than making massive, irreversible decisions regarding the future of Chicago Public Schools before the first-ever Chicago Board of Education elected (at least in part) directly by voters takes their seats?
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Nov. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1630, in the meaning defined above
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Dictionary Entries Near irreversible
Cite this Entry
“Irreversible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irreversible. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
irreversible
adjective
ir·re·vers·ible
ˌir-i-ˈvər-sə-bəl
: impossible to reverse
an irreversible chemical reaction
irreversible damage
Medical Definition
irreversible
adjective
ir·re·vers·ible
ˌir-i-ˈvər-sə-bəl
: incapable of being reversed : not reversible
an irreversible medical procedure
: as
a
: impossible to make run or take place backward
irreversible chemical syntheses
b
of a colloid
: incapable of undergoing transformation from sol to gel or vice versa
c
of a pathological process
: of such severity that recovery is impossible
irreversible brain damage
Legal Definition
irreversible
adjective
ir·re·ver·si·ble
ˌir-rə-ˈvər-sə-bəl
: not reversible
an irreversible decision
More from Merriam-Webster on irreversible
Nglish: Translation of irreversible for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of irreversible for Arabic Speakers
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