rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryirrevocableUnable to be undone
adjective

irrevocable

ih-REV-uh-kuh-bul/ɪˈrevəkəbl/

Impossible to reverse or take back.

The handprint becomes irrevocable as the concrete hardens around its shape.

Freshly poured concrete handprint now hardened solid; plaque FINAL, irreversible permanent impression.
Etymology
irLatinnot
+reLatinback
+vocLatinto call
+ableLatincapable of being

The literal image is something that cannot be called back. Calling back also meant rescinding or annulling, so an irrevocable decision or action cannot be withdrawn or undone.

In context

Vivid Audio Library554:59
In one short week would God resume his soul and set it apart for its irrevocable doom. Seven more tedious days and nights of senseless inactivity, and all would be over
The Warden by Anthony Trollope | Full Classic Victorian British Literature Audiobook

More examples

  • Deleting the only copy would be an irrevocable mistake.
  • Her resignation became irrevocable once the board accepted it.
  • The donor made an irrevocable gift to the museum.

Forms

irrevocable

Similar words

irreversible
Irreversible cannot be undone; irrevocable especially describes something that cannot be withdrawn or canceled.
final
Final indicates the last or settled decision; irrevocable says it cannot be taken back.