01
unwiderruflich
irrevocable
No longer able to be undone or revoked; final and definitive.
example
Mit seiner Unterschrift ist der Vertrag unwiderruflich gültig geworden.
With his signature, the contract became irrevocably valid.
unwiderruflich
irrevocable
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word consists of 'un-' and 'widerruflich' (revocable). 'Widerruflich' is derived from the verb 'widerrufen' (to revoke), which means 'to take back' or 'to cancel'. So 'unwiderruflich' (irrevocable) describes a state that can no longer be taken back.
EXAMPLE
Seine Kündigung ist unwiderruflich.
His resignation is irrevocable.
Typical collocations
This word is often connected with decisions, consequences, or the end of something. Typical phrases are 'eine unwiderrufliche Entscheidung' (an irrevocable decision), 'unwiderruflich verloren' (irrevocably lost), or 'unwiderruflich vorbei' (irrevocably over).
EXAMPLE
Die Zeit unserer Kindheit ist unwiderruflich vorbei.
The time of our childhood is irrevocably over.
Register
'Unwiderruflich' (irrevocable) is a formal word that is often used in legal and administrative language. It emphasizes the finality and binding nature of an action or state.
EXAMPLE
Das Urteil des Gerichts ist unwiderruflich.
The court's judgment is irrevocable.
Compare with
unwiderruflich vs definitiv
definitely / definitive
'definitiv' and 'unwiderruflich' can both mean that something is final. 'Definitiv' is more general: a decision, a result, or a date is fixed and is not meant to be changed anymore. 'Unwiderruflich' is stronger and more specific when something can no longer be taken back or undone. The word often fits with terminations, contracts, decisions, or consequences. Memory tip: everything that is 'unwiderruflich' is 'definitiv', but not everything that is 'definitiv' is automatically 'unwiderruflich'.
unwiderruflich
Mit der Unterschrift ist der Vertrag unwiderruflich gültig.
With the signature, the contract is irrevocably valid.
definitiv
Der Termin für die Prüfung ist jetzt definitiv.
The date for the exam is now definitive.
In real life
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