irreversible

/,iri'və:səbl/

Thân thiện

The scientist explains that the chemical reaction is irreversible.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Incapable of being reversed or undone: Describes a process, change, or condition that cannot be changed back to a previous state or annulled.
   • Not reversible: In a general sense, something that cannot be turned the opposite way or made to operate in the opposite direction.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The damage to the ancient artifact was irreversible. (The harm done could not be undone or restored.)
  • She made an irreversible decision to sell the family home. (The decision could not be taken back or changed.)
  • The chemical reaction is irreversible under these conditions. (The reaction proceeds in one direction and cannot spontaneously reverse.)

Advanced Usage

• "Irreversible process": In thermodynamics, a process that cannot be reversed to return both the system and its surroundings to their original states.
  • Entropy increase is a hallmark of an irreversible process.
• "Irreversible change": A permanent alteration in state, structure, or form.
  • Climate change may cause irreversible changes to some ecosystems.

Variants and Related Words

• Irreversibility (noun): The quality or state of being irreversible.
  • Scientists discussed the irreversibility of the environmental damage.
• Irreversibly (adverb): In a way that cannot be reversed.
  • The treaty has irreversibly altered the political landscape.

Synonyms

• Permanent: Lasting or intended to last indefinitely without change.
• Irrevocable: Not able to be changed, reversed, or recovered.
• Unchangeable: Not liable to variation or able to be altered.

Antonyms

• Reversible: Able to be reversed or changed back.
• Changeable: Able to change or be changed.
• Temporary: Lasting for only a limited period; not permanent.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. incapable of being reversed
   • irreversible momentum toward revolution