irreparable

adjective

ir·​rep·​a·​ra·​ble i-ˈre-p(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce irreparable (audio)
ˌi(r)-,
also nonstandard
ˌir-(r)ə-ˈper-ə-bəl How to pronounce irreparable (audio)
: not reparable : irremediable
irreparable damage
irreparableness noun
irreparably
i-ˈre-p(ə-)rə-blē How to pronounce irreparable (audio)
ˌi(r)-
 also nonstandard  ˌir-(r)ə-ˈper-ə-blē
adverb

Example Sentences

The oil spill did irreparable harm to the bay. The damage to their relationship was irreparable.
Recent Examples on the Web But the network would have to persuade a judge that Mr. Carlson was doing irreparable harm to the network, such as by damaging its reputation or disclosing sensitive information. Ryan Mac, New York Times, 10 May 2023 While the horses trained by Joseph Jr. died suddenly, two more horses were euthanized this week due to irreparable injuries. S. Dev, CBS News, 4 May 2023 Suing board directors personally may be a new line of attack from activists who argue that oil majors and other companies are causing massive and irreparable harm to the earth’s climate. Cassie Werber, Quartz, 9 Feb. 2023 Even if Majors is cleared of the charges, the damage to his career may be irreparable, experts say, in part because of his race. Greg Braxton, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2023 Along with other evidence still intact, Hebson said this is not a case of irreparable justice. Carol Robinson | Crobinson@al.com, al, 6 Apr. 2023 The social damage amongst the EU for the British who loved being part of the wider union is almost irreparable. William Booth, Washington Post, 17 Feb. 2023 The outcome of these driving habits of some sadly have irreparable consequences. Christine Pelisek, Peoplemag, 16 Feb. 2023 The love between mother and son can indeed break, can crack in a million, sometimes irreparable, places. Alexis Okeowo, The New Yorker, 28 Nov. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'irreparable.' 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 Middle French, from Latin irreparabilis, from in- + reparabilis reparable

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near irreparable

Cite this Entry

“Irreparable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irreparable. Accessed 27 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

irreparable

adjective
ir·​rep·​a·​ra·​ble (ˈ)ir-ˈ(r)ep-(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce irreparable (audio)
: not capable of being repaired or regained
an irreparable loss
irreparably adverb

Legal Definition

irreparable

adjective
ir·​rep·​a·​ra·​ble i-ˈre-pə-rə-bəl, -prə-bəl How to pronounce irreparable (audio)
: impossible to repair, remedy, or undo
irreparably adverb

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