irreparable

adjective

ir·​rep·​a·​ra·​ble i-ˈre-p(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce irreparable (audio)
ˌi(r)-,
also nonstandard
ˌir-(r)ə-ˈper-ə-bəl How to pronounce irreparable (audio)
: not reparable : irremediable
irreparable damage
irreparableness noun
irreparably
i-ˈre-p(ə-)rə-blē How to pronounce irreparable (audio)
ˌi(r)-
 also nonstandard  ˌir-(r)ə-ˈper-ə-blē
adverb

Examples of irreparable in a Sentence

The oil spill did irreparable harm to the bay. The damage to their relationship was irreparable.
Recent Examples on the Web However, the bar to receive a temporary injunction is very high: the party who requests one must show a likelihood of irreparable harm if the injunction is not granted, and that the filing party will be likely to succeed at the merits stage of the case. Jill Goldenziel, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 For his part, Mr. Mulroney argued that the affair had not caused irreparable damage to his standing. Alan Cowell, New York Times, 29 Feb. 2024 This model may be appropriate during an emergency when the patient may be unconscious or when a delay in treatment may cause irreparable harm. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024 Their rift eventually grew irreparable shortly before Olivia and Ethan moved to Florida and were no longer allowed to spend time with Kim's other children. Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 9 Feb. 2024 The impact on American education, safety, our health system and our economy has been irreparable. Gillian Brassil, Sacramento Bee, 5 Feb. 2024 For Mercy, there’s a lesson in learning that some mistakes are irreparable. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 26 Jan. 2024 All rides except the train were deemed unsafe and irreparable by the city and were removed. Paige Eichkorn, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2023 Barry Goldwater’s reputation sustained irreparable damage from the 1964 media attack. Neal B. Freeman, National Review, 26 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'irreparable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin irreparabilis, from in- + reparabilis reparable

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of irreparable was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near irreparable

Cite this Entry

“Irreparable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irreparable. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

irreparable

adjective
ir·​rep·​a·​ra·​ble (ˈ)ir-ˈ(r)ep-(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce irreparable (audio)
: not capable of being repaired or regained
an irreparable loss
irreparably adverb

Legal Definition

irreparable

adjective
ir·​rep·​a·​ra·​ble i-ˈre-pə-rə-bəl, -prə-bəl How to pronounce irreparable (audio)
: impossible to repair, remedy, or undo
irreparably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on irreparable

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