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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The court’s opinion did not address the merits of the argument, but only found that the lower district court erred by giving an injunction when there was no evidence of irreparable harm to the union. Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 17 May 2025 Privately, Atleti were furious, with executives insisting Arsenal’s actions had done irreparable damage to the relationship between the clubs. James McNicholas, New York Times, 16 May 2025 However, even if the technology change is needed, these changes could still do irreparable harm to your organization. Tara Duke, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025 The chamber argued that tariffs will plunge the economy into a recession and cause irreparable harm to small businesses. Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for irreparable

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Irreparable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irreparable. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on irreparable

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