irreversible

UK: ˌɪrɪˈvɜːsəbl | US: ˌɪrɪˈvɜːrsəbl

Definition

  1. adj. impossible to reverse or undo

  2. adj. (of a process or decision) not capable of being changed back to a previous state

Structure
ir <not>re <again>vers <turn>ible <capable of>
Etymology

The word "irreversible" combines Latin-derived morphemes:

  1. "ir-" (variant of "in-" meaning "not") negates the following root.
  2. "re-" ("again") suggests repetition or backward motion.
  3. "vers" (from Latin "vertere," meaning "to turn") forms the core idea of directional change.
  4. "-ible" (from Latin "-ibilis") indicates capability.
    Originally used in legal and scientific contexts, the term evolved to describe processes or actions that cannot be undone, emphasizing permanence.
Examples

  1. Climate change may soon reach an irreversible tipping point.

  2. The damage to the ecosystem was irreversible.

  3. Once the contract is signed, the decision becomes irreversible.

  4. Some chemical reactions are irreversible under normal conditions.

  5. The surgeon warned that the procedure could have irreversible side effects.