What does reversible mean?
Reversible means capable of being changed back to an earlier state or condition. A decision can be reversible if it can be undone, while a reaction may be reversible if its chemical and physical changes can be reversed. The adjective is widely used in law, medicine, science, and textiles: a reversible order can be reconsidered, reversible side effects can be treated, and reversible fabric may be turned to show a different face. In general use, reversible is more precise than simply changeable because it specifically suggests an action or process that can be undone. The word is neutral in tone but often carries a formal or technical character. Understanding it also requires recognizing its contrast with irreversible: a reversible outcome preserves the possibility of restoring the previous situation, whereas an irreversible one forecloses that option. The distinction matters whenever consequences, safety, or legal authority cannot be permanently undone.
adjectiveCapable of being reversed, undone, or changed back to an earlier state or condition.
- Capable of being reversed, undone, or changed back to an earlier state.
- In medicine, capable of being resolved or counteracted, especially of symptoms or side effects.
- Of textiles, finished so that either side can be displayed and used.
"The judge issued a reversible order, allowing the parties to return if new evidence emerged."
"The judge's ruling was reversible, so either party could seek a reconsideration."
"Many modern medicines have reversible side effects, although the underlying disease may remain."
In thermodynamics, a reversible process is an idealized path that can be run backward without leaving a net trace.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of reversible
The word dates from the early 16th century and ultimately derives from Latin reversibilis, meaning “able to be turned back” or “capable of being reversed.” Reversibilis was formed from reversus, the past participle of vertere, “to turn,” together with the suffix -ibilis, expressing the ability to be affected in a particular way. English relatives include reverse, reversal, revert, and revulsion, all of which continue forms of the same Latin verbal root.
Related word forms
How reversible is actually used
The term is neutral in tone but is especially common in legal, medical, scientific, and technical contexts. In general use, it is more precise than simply “changeable” because it specifically suggests that an action or process can be undone. There is no significant regional difference between standard British and US usage.
Easily confused with reversible
A reversible action can be undone, whereas an irreversible action permanently changes the situation or prevents a return to the earlier state.