beyond retrieval
idiom
1
: not able to be brought back
The old data is now beyond retrieval.
2
: not able to be corrected, cured, or saved
The patient may be beyond retrieval.
The situation is beyond retrieval.
Examples of beyond retrieval in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
George was nearly beyond retrieval, a tiny glint of a mote, like a wayward flea.
—
Cynthia Ozick, The New Yorker, 14 June 2021
Cynthia Ozick, The New Yorker, 14 June 2021
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'beyond retrieval.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near beyond retrieval
Cite this Entry
“Beyond retrieval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beyond%20retrieval. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
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