French word

irréversible

Pronunciation

IPA/iʁevɛʁsibl/

Meaning

  • adjectiveirreversible

Example

Une fois signé, le contrat est irréversible.

Once signed, the contract is irreversible.

Illustration for irréversible (irreversible)

More examples

Les dommages causés par l'incendie sont irréversibles.

The damage caused by the fire is irreversible.

Core concept

A point of no return where an act, decision, or condition fixes the outcome.

Common phrases

  • dommages irréversibles

    irreversible damage

  • conséquences irréversibles

    irreversible consequences

  • décision irréversible

    irreversible decision

Similar words

définitif: Final and no longer open to change or cancellation.
irréparable: Damaged beyond repair and impossible to restore to its original condition.
irrévocable: Unable to be withdrawn or canceled once a decision or consent is given.

Definition in French

Qui ne permet aucun retour en arrière ; s'applique à un acte, une décision ou un état dont les conséquences sont définitives.

Word origin

The word is a learned French formation in which ir- gives réversible its negative sense, while réversible ultimately comes from Latin re- and vertere, 'to turn'.

Usage tips

  • French commonly uses irréversible with devenir and rendre, as in devenir irréversible and rendre une décision irréversible.

Opposites

Related words

  • irréversibilitéirreversibilitynoun
  • irréversiblementirreversiblyadverb

Word lists with this word