Cirrhosis can be either compensated or decompensated. With compensated cirrhosis your liver is usually able to cope with the damage and continue to perform most of its important functions. Most people with compensated cirrhosis have few/no symptoms. However, without treatment you're likely to develop decompensated cirrhosis(though it may take many years). With decompensated cirrhosis you will usually have severe symptoms and complications.
Attribution: BUPA