irreconcilable

1 of 2

adjective

ir·​rec·​on·​cil·​able i-ˌre-kən-ˈsī-lə-bəl 

-ˈre-kən-ˌsī-, 

ˌi(r)-

: impossible to reconcile

irreconcilable differences

irreconcilability

i-ˌre-kən-ˌsī-lə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

irreconcilableness

i-ˌre-kən-ˈsī-lə-bəl-nəs 

-ˈre-kən-ˌsī-

noun

irreconcilably

i-ˌre-kən-ˈsī-lə-blē 

-ˈre-kən-ˌsī-, 

ˌi(r)-

adverb

irreconcilable

2 of 2

noun

: one that is irreconcilable

especially : a member of a group (such as a political party) opposing compromise or collaboration

Examples of irreconcilable in a Sentence

Adjective

theories that are irreconcilable with each other

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The works—separated by over fifty years and irreconcilable in medium—face one another across the gallery floor, forming an unconventional portrait of mother and child. — Carmen Rosenberg-Miller, Artforum, 6 Aug. 2026

And that deepens the concern that many young progressive Americans, including Jews, now see supporting Israel in any way as irreconcilable with their worldview. — Giovanna Dell'orto, Fortune, 31 July 2026

America at 250 seems stuck in a miasma of rival populisms that offer irreconcilable visions for curing what ails our country. — Will Marshall, Washington Post, 18 July 2026

Standing in their way is Marco (Will Kemp), a powerful and ruthless commander who also happens to be Balaban's brother, the two men now on a collision course shaped by old wounds and irreconcilable choices. — Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1587, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1748, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing irreconcilable

• irreconcilable differences

Rhymes for irreconcilable

• reconcilable

Kids Definition

irreconcilable

adjective

ir·​rec·​on·​cil·​able

(ˌ)ir-ˌ(r)ek-ən-ˈsī-lə-bəl, 

(ˈ)ir-ˈ(r)ek-ən-ˌsī-

: impossible to reconcile, adjust, or harmonize

ended the partnership because of irreconcilable differences

irreconcilably

-blē

adverb