revocable

The word revocable describes something that can be withdrawn, canceled, or undone. It suggests a lack of permanence and an inherent right to change one's mind or status. While this is a staple term in legal contexts, it applies to any situation where a decision isn't final.

Think about permission to use a parking space, a room, or a piece of software. That permission may be revocable, meaning the person or company that gave it can later take it back. Or consider a parent saying you may go to a party, but only as long as you finish your chores. That permission is revocable because it can be withdrawn if the conditions are not met.

Revocable is most often contrasted with irrevocable, which means not able to be changed or canceled easily. A trust, for instance, can be set up as either revocable or irrevocable; the first lets the creator change or end it later, while the second is much harder to change once it is created.

You'll encounter "revocable" frequently when discussing legal documents, trusts, licenses, permits, and certain kinds of authority or permission. These arrangements often include rules that explain exactly how and when they can be revoked. You may also hear the idea in everyday conversation, even if people do not always use the formal word.

So, when something is revocable, remember that it's not set in stone—there's always the possibility of taking it back or changing course. It's about retaining control and maintaining the power to exit an agreement.