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irreparable

adjective
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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) \

Definition of irreparable

: not reparable : irremediable irreparable damage
Other Words from irreparable Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about irreparable

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Other Words from irreparable

irreparableness noun
irreparably \ i-​ˈre-​p(ə-​)rə-​blē How to pronounce irreparably (audio) , ˌi(r)-​ also nonstandard  ˌir-​(r)ə-​ˈper-​ə-​blē \ adverb

Examples of irreparable in a Sentence

The oil spill did irreparable harm to the bay. The damage to their relationship was irreparable.
Recent Examples on the Web Russell said as a result of Plummer’s actions, McKenzie’s family will never be whole again, but also his own family will suffer irreparable damage. — Tim Prudente, baltimoresun.com, "Five years after 3-year-old McKenzie Elliott was killed on her Baltimore porch, gunman gets 25-year sentence," 28 Aug. 2019 The candy and fruit-flavorings that so many youth find appealing also contain chemicals known to cause irreparable lung damage. — Joelle Goldstein, PEOPLE.com, "Illinois Resident Dies After Suffering 'Severe Respiratory Illness' from Vaping," 23 Aug. 2019 Opposition lawmakers, supported by rebels in Johnson’s Conservative Party, warn that crashing out of the bloc without a divorce agreement would cause irreparable economic harm. — Washington Post, "His Brexit plans in crisis, Johnson pushes for new elections," 5 Sep. 2019 Opposition lawmakers, supported by rebels in Johnson’s Conservative Party, warn that crashing out of the bloc without a divorce agreement would cause irreparable economic harm. — Washington Post, "His Brexit plans in crisis, Johnson pushes for new elections," 5 Sep. 2019 Opposition lawmakers, supported by rebels in Johnson’s Conservative Party, warn that crashing out of the bloc without a divorce agreement would cause irreparable economic harm. — Danica Kirka, BostonGlobe.com, "UK House of Commons passes bill to block no-deal Brexit," 4 Sep. 2019 Misunderstandings and fights over money can do irreparable damage to family relationships. — Ask Amy, al, "Ask Amy: Girlfriend, ex are intimate even if -- and that’s a big ‘if’ -- it’s not physical," 2 Sep. 2019 In a decision issued Friday, a judge ruled that the society hadn’t met the prerequisites for a preliminary injunction, including establishing a substantial risk of irreparable harm. — BostonGlobe.com, "New England news in brief," 31 July 2019 Meanwhile, Petitioner is suffering irreparable harm to her career, reputation, and finances as Fox pursues her with the relentlessness of Captain Ahab and with money to burn. — Eriq Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, "Former Fox News Star Tests Anti-Arbitration Rule for Sexual Harassment Claims," 16 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'irreparable.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of irreparable

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for irreparable

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin irreparabilis, from in- + reparabilis reparable

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Statistics for irreparable

Last Updated

11 Oct 2019

Time Traveler for irreparable

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

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More Definitions for irreparable

irreparable

adjective
How to pronounce irreparable (audio) How to pronounce irreparable (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of irreparable

formal : too bad to be corrected or repaired

See the full definition for irreparable in the English Language Learners Dictionary

irreparable

adjective
ir·​rep·​a·​ra·​ble | \ i-ˈre-pə-rə-bəl How to pronounce irreparable (audio) \

Kids Definition of irreparable

: impossible to get back or to make right A storm did irreparable damage to the beach.

Other Words from irreparable

irreparably \ -​blē \ adverb

irreparable

adjective
ir·​rep·​a·​ra·​ble | \ i-ˈre-pə-rə-bəl, -prə-bəl How to pronounce irreparable (audio) \

Legal Definition of irreparable

: impossible to repair, remedy, or undo

Other Words from irreparable

irreparably adverb

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More from Merriam-Webster on irreparable

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for irreparable

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with irreparable

Spanish Central: Translation of irreparable

Nglish: Translation of irreparable for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of irreparable for Arabic Speakers

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