irreversible harm

USAGE SUMMARY

"irreversible harm" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation whereby damage is done and cannot be undone. For example, "The company's decision to reduce staffing levels has caused irreversible harm to its reputation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some boundaries might be transgressed without irreversible harm occurring.

The Economist

The rightwing government lasted a short time, but did what many see as irreversible harm.

The Guardian

The decision was overturned on appeal for different reasons, but by then irreversible harm was done.

Harvard University

Keyworth told me that the allegations that he was a "leaker" have caused him irreversible harm.

The New Yorker

However, it may be unethical to expose study subjects to irreversible harm from dental erosion.

Nature

"Whether by governments or non-state actors, technologies can be unleashed on societies causing grave and irreversible harm.

Independent

In "The Lord of the Rings," the errand of Frodo, though epic in execution, was plain enough: to destroy what would, in the wrong hands, cause irreversible harm.

The New Yorker

She said unless there was a "risk of severe and irreversible harm" foreign criminals should be deported first and their appeals heard later.

The Guardian

Yet these cuts will cause significant and potentially irreversible harm to the arts, putting jobs and front line services at risk.

The Guardian

This means that where there is no risk of serious and irreversible harm, we should deport foreign criminals first and hear their appeal later.

The Guardian

Patients in the first tier, who could die or suffer serious or irreversible harm if treatment is denied or delayed, could sue immediately.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing environmental impact, use "irreversible harm" to underscore the long-term consequences of actions, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices to prevent ecological damage.

Common error

Avoid using "irreversible harm" to describe minor inconveniences or temporary setbacks. This phrase should be reserved for situations where the damage is genuinely permanent and substantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "irreversible harm" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb (e.g., cause, prevent) or as a complement describing the severity of damage. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

12%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "irreversible harm" is a noun phrase used to describe situations where damage is permanent and cannot be undone. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. This phrase is frequently found in news, academic, and scientific contexts to emphasize the seriousness and long-term consequences of various actions or events. When writing, it's best to reserve "irreversible harm" for truly significant and irreparable situations to maintain its impact. Alternatives include "permanent damage" or "lasting detriment", but they may not always capture the same level of severity. The frequency of this term, as demonstrated by Ludwig, highlights its importance in communicating lasting and unchangeable negative impacts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

permanent damage

Emphasizes the lasting nature of the damage, focusing on its impact over time rather than the impossibility of reversing it.

lasting detriment

Highlights the harmful and enduring effects, stressing the long-term negative consequences.

irreparable damage

Shares the core meaning of being beyond repair, but may apply to physical or abstract damages.

irremediable injury

Focuses on the injury aspect, suggesting a wound or harm that cannot be cured or remedied.

irreversible damage

Is a direct synonym, simply using a different noun form of 'damage'.

terminal consequence

Emphasizes the finality and severity of the outcome, often implying a deadly or catastrophic result.

enduring impairment

Focuses on the reduction or loss of function, highlighting the sustained impact on capability or quality.

non-rectifiable harm

Uses a more formal and technical term to describe harm that cannot be corrected or set right.

unalterable detriment

Stresses the unchangeable nature of the negative impact, indicating that the detriment is fixed and permanent.

chronic degradation

Refers to a slow and ongoing process of decline, emphasizing the persistent and worsening nature of the harm.

FAQs

How to use "irreversible harm" in a sentence?

You can use "irreversible harm" to describe situations where the damage or negative effects are permanent and cannot be undone. For example, "The deforestation caused "irreversible harm" to the region's biodiversity".

What can I say instead of "irreversible harm"?

Alternatives to "irreversible harm" include "permanent damage", "lasting detriment", or "irreparable damage", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "irreversible harm" or "irreparable harm"?

Both "irreversible harm" and "irreparable harm" are correct and have similar meanings. "Irreversible" emphasizes the inability to reverse the damage, while "irreparable" stresses the impossibility of repairing it. The choice often depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What are some common causes of "irreversible harm"?

"Irreversible harm" can result from various factors, including environmental disasters, neglect of child education, or severe policy failures. The key element is that the resulting damage cannot be rectified.