© 2026 Sloth Lingo. Learn easy. Lounge wisely.

irreducibly

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌɪrɪˈdjuːsəblɪ/

KK: /ɪrɪˈdjuːsəblɪ/

adverb
Definition

In a way that cannot be made simpler or reduced further.


Example

The problem is irreducibly complex, meaning it cannot be simplified without losing essential details.


Conversation
Sloth A
I think some problems are irreducibly complex.
Sloth B
Yeah, like trying to understand human emotions sometimes.
Sloth A
Exactly! It's frustrating when things can't be simplified.
Sloth B
True, but I guess that's what makes life interesting.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
fundamentally
essentially
intrinsically
Antonyms
superficially
marginally
optionally
Root Explanation

Irreducibly → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not), "reducere" (meaning to lead back or bring back), and "-ly" (a suffix forming adverbs). The word "irreducibly" means in a manner that cannot be led back or simplified further.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('in-') being able to 'lead back' ('reducere') to something simpler — that's why 'irreducibly' means it cannot be simplified.

Visually Confused Words
reducibly
unreducibly
reducible
deducibly
Is this page helpful?