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irrevocable

Adjective

IPA /ɪˈrevəkəbl/

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Meaning in plain English

Impossible to withdraw, reverse or change once a decision has been made or an action has taken effect.

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Pronunciation

irrevocable/ɪˈrevəkəbl/

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A final decision is made
The decision cannot be withdrawn
Only the chosen course remains available

An irrevocable decision cannot be reversed or changed.

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Examples in context

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She regarded her decision to give away the collection as irrevocable.
The committee described its final decision as irrevocable.

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She regarded her decision to give away the collection as ________.

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irrevocable — Impossible to withdraw, reverse or change once a decision has been made or an action has taken effect.

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Impossible to withdraw, reverse or change once a decision has been made or an action has taken effect.

Compare: She regarded her decision to give away the collection as irrevocable.

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Word origin

From Latin irrevocabilis, meaning unable to be revoked, through French or directly.

Did you know?

Irrevocable often describes a decision or step whose consequences cannot be undone.

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