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

As Childish Gambino says, this is America, and at its best moments the script captures the way this nation’s irreconcilable differences play out in arguments with people interrupting and talking over one another, all sides refusing to listen. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026

The couple announced their separation in February 2001, with Cruise filing for divorce that same month and citing irreconcilable differences. — Zack Sharf, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026

Wong and Hakuta separated in 2022, and Wong filed for divorce in December 2023, citing irreconcilable differences. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Aug. 2026

The two were married for 18 years before Griffith filed for divorce in June 2014, citing irreconcilable differences. — Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 8 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