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

Jolie, now 51, filed for divorce from Pitt, citing irreconcilable differences less than a week after the plane ride. — Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2026

Two estranged parties with seemingly irreconcilable differences managed to come together, put the past behind them, and chart a path toward a kinder future. — Marshall Shaffer, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026

Layla filed for divorce in March 2016, citing irreconcilable differences. — John Talty, Vanity Fair, 2 Sep. 2026

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