irremediable

adjective

ir·​re·​me·​di·​a·​ble ˌir-i-ˈmē-dē-ə-bəl How to pronounce irremediable (audio)
: not remediable
an irremediable error
also : incurable
irremediableness noun
irremediably adverb

Example Sentences

There was an irremediable split between the two sides of the family. the firm belief that no juvenile delinquent is irremediable
Recent Examples on the Web Though only the last is irremediable. Jennifer Senior, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2022 The animating conviction that America’s economic, governmental, and judicial institutions are irremediable distinguishes Portland protesters from others around the country. Luke Mogelson, The New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2020 In many cases mental illness lays a persistent, tragic, and irremediable burden on individuals and their families who do not have the means for private mental health care. courant.com, 27 Oct. 2019 And there follows then a letter that is full of its radical, irremediable, irredeemable flaws. Evgenia Peretz, vanityfair.com, 29 Mar. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'irremediable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin irremediabilis, from in- + remediabilis remediable

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of irremediable was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near irremediable

Cite this Entry

“Irremediable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irremediable. Accessed 7 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

irremediable

adjective
ir·​re·​me·​di·​a·​ble ˌir-i-ˈmēd-ē-ə-bəl How to pronounce irremediable (audio)
: not remediable
also : incurable
irremediably adverb

Medical Definition

irremediable

adjective
ir·​re·​me·​di·​a·​ble ˌir-i-ˈmēd-ē-ə-bəl How to pronounce irremediable (audio)
: impossible to remedy or cure

Legal Definition

irremediable

adjective
ir·​re·​me·​di·​a·​ble ˌir-rə-ˈmē-dē-ə-bəl How to pronounce irremediable (audio)
: impossible to remedy, correct, or redress
irremediable harm
irremediable conduct
irremediably adverb

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