Inklingo
← Dictionary

irreversible

ee-rreh-behr-SEE-bleh/ireβeɾˈsiβle/

“irreversible” means “irreversible” in Spanish (something that cannot be undone or changed back).

irreversible

Also: permanent, final
A cracked egg frying in a pan, showing a change that cannot be undone.

📝 In Action

El daño al medio ambiente es irreversible si no actuamos ahora.

B1

The damage to the environment is irreversible if we don't act now.

Tomaron una decisión irreversible de cerrar la fábrica.

B2

They made an irreversible decision to close the factory.

Los médicos dicen que el estado del paciente es irreversible.

C1

The doctors say the patient's condition is irreversible.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • reversible (reversible)
  • corregible (correctable)

Common Collocations

  • daño irreversible – irreversible damage
  • cambio irreversible – irreversible change
  • proceso irreversible – irreversible process

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "irreversible" in Spanish:

final→irreversible→permanent→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: irreversible

Question 1 of 3

Which of these is most likely to be described as 'irreversible'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
revertir(to reverse) — Verb
reversible(reversible) — Adjective
irreversibilidad(irreversibility) — Noun
reversión(reversion) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From Latin 'in-' (meaning 'not') and 'reversibilis' (meaning 'able to turn back'). It entered the Spanish language to describe physical and chemical processes that only move in one direction.

First recorded: 19th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: irreversibleFrench: irréversibleItalian: irreversibile

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'irreversible' used more in Spain or Latin America?

It is used equally in all Spanish-speaking countries and is understood everywhere because it is a formal/technical term.

Can I use 'irreversible' for a mistake I made?

Yes, if the mistake resulted in a situation that can't be fixed, calling it 'un error irreversible' is very common and dramatic.

How do you pronounce the double 'rr'?

The 'rr' should be rolled or trilled briefly, similar to the sound of a purring cat or a small motor.