irreversible

adjective

ir·​re·​vers·​ible ˌir-i-ˈvər-sə-bəl How to pronounce irreversible (audio)
: not reversible
irreversibility noun
irreversibly adverb

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 Inhaling asbestos fibers, even in small amounts, can cause irreversible scarring of the lungs as well as malignant mesothelioma. Coral Davenport, New York Times, 18 Mar. 2024 The upcoming total solar eclipse promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but viewing the celestial spectacle without proper eye protection can cause irreversible damage. George Dvorsky / Gizmodo, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2024 This fragmented system, combined with research indicating that many doctors deviate from lead testing guidelines, allows exposures to go undetected until irreversible neurological damage has been done. Aaron Specht, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2024 The seemingly irreversible trend has been toward less paper, less ink, fewer print customers. Neal B. Freeman, National Review, 12 Mar. 2024 Climate change is accelerating that depletion, which threatens irreversible harm to American society. Christopher Flavelle, New York Times, 29 Feb. 2024 Our planet is reaching the tipping point of irreversible climate change if immediate action is not taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2024 Although nothing released by the Ute Tribe suggests its own recreational closure is irreversible, there’s no clue as to when, if ever, nonmember privileges might be restored. Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 7 Feb. 2024 Em and Dex are allowed to evolve not as fictional characters do, in dramatic and irreversible leaps, but the way real people do, in bits and pieces with lots of swerves and reversals along the way. Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'irreversible.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of irreversible was in 1630

Dictionary Entries Near irreversible

Cite this Entry

“Irreversible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irreversible. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

irreversible

adjective
ir·​re·​vers·​ible ˌir-i-ˈvər-sə-bəl How to pronounce irreversible (audio)
: impossible to reverse
an irreversible chemical reaction
irreversible damage
irreversibility noun
irreversibly adverb

Medical Definition

irreversible

adjective
ir·​re·​vers·​ible ˌir-i-ˈvər-sə-bəl How to pronounce irreversible (audio)
: 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
irreversibility noun
plural irreversibilities
irreversibly adverb

Legal Definition

irreversible

adjective
ir·​re·​ver·​si·​ble ˌir-rə-ˈvər-sə-bəl How to pronounce irreversible (audio)
: not reversible
an irreversible decision

More from Merriam-Webster on irreversible

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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