irreconcilable differences

phrase

formal

: inability to agree on most things or on important things

They are filing for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.

Examples of irreconcilable differences in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In August 2025, Cartwright filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences. — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

York had filed for divorce from his wife in May due to irreconcilable differences, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

According to Santa Clara County Superior Court documents, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, York filed for divorce from his wife of more than 15 years, Danielle Belluomini York, in May due to irreconcilable differences. — Beren Cross, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

York filed for divorce from his wife, Danielle, on May 11, citing irreconcilable differences, according to Santa Clara County court records. — Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026

Legal Definition

irreconcilable differences

noun plural but singular or plural in construction

ir·​rec·​on·​cil·​able dif·​fer·​enc·​es

ir-ˌre-kən-ˈsī-lə-bəl-

: substantial incompatibility between marriage partners that is a broad ground for especially no-fault divorce compare irretrievable breakdown of the marriage