nonreversible

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /nɒn.rɪˈvɜː.sə.bəl/

KK: /nɑnˈrivərsəbl/

adjective

Definition

Something that cannot be changed back to its original state or condition.

Example

The chemical reaction was nonreversible, meaning the products could not be converted back to the reactants.

Conversation

Did you hear about the new policy changes at work?

Yeah, I heard some of them are nonreversible decisions.

That seems a bit extreme, don't you think?

Definitely, it's going to make things a lot tougher for everyone.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

irreversible

permanent

final

Antonyms

reversible

temporary

transient

Root Explanation

Nonreversible → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "reversible" (from Latin "reversibilis", meaning able to be turned back). The word "nonreversible" means not able to be turned back or undone.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('non-') being added to 'able to be turned back' ('reversible') — that's why nonreversible means something that cannot be undone.

Visually Confused Words

unreversible