irrevocable

Everyday

Not able to be changed, cancelled or taken back once it is done: an irrevocable decision. tree →

In the lessons

Used in formal writing, law and serious moments in stories: an irrevocable step, an irrevocable promise. It tells the reader there is no going back. In life lessons: some choices, like hurtful words, can feel irrevocable, so think first.

Examples

• The judge's decision was irrevocable. tree →
• Once the letter was posted, the choice felt irrevocable. tree →
• Cutting down the old tree was an irrevocable mistake. tree →
• The king made an irrevocable promise. tree →
• Some damage to nature is irrevocable. tree →
• He took the irrevocable step of leaving home. tree →
• And thus, as the word of the mighty Zeus was irrevocable, Heracles became the subject and servant of his cousin Eurystheus. tree →

Note

Say «ir-REV-uh-kuh-bul» (stress on REV), not «irre-VOKE-able». Formal. Opposite: revocable. Similar: final, permanent.