irreplaceable

adjective

ir·​re·​place·​able ˌir-i-ˈplā-sə-bəl How to pronounce irreplaceable (audio)
: not replaceable
an irreplaceable antique
irreplaceability noun
irreplaceableness noun
irreplaceably adverb

Examples of irreplaceable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In the Kremlin’s telling, Putin is the irreplaceable commander in chief, the strategist and diplomat who can carry the country on his shoulders, and the purveyor of order who will lead the country to victory. Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 13 Mar. 2024 Her arrival three years ago set into motion an exponential program trajectory, culminating in one singular moment recruiting a transcendent freshman and surrounding her with a bevy of irreplaceable supporting acts. Luca Evans, Orange County Register, 11 Mar. 2024 Many have worked for 40 years or more, bringing vast and often irreplaceable expertise. Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 At risk are the national treasures housed inside the Federal Triangle, the low-lying area between the White House and the Capitol, home to 39 critical government facilities, $14 billion in property and irreplaceable artifacts of America’s history. John Muyskens, Washington Post, 19 Dec. 2023 Before the Alabama ruling, other cases had tried to classify embryos as living people to signify their irreplaceable value. Katherine Drabiak, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2024 Continuous collaboration with real people impacted by innovations remains irreplaceable for addressing ethical complexities algorithms alone cannot navigate. Gillian Oakenfull, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Success in this new landscape will depend on our ability to blend AI’s analytical and creative strengths with the irreplaceable depth of human insight, fostering authenticity and trust in every communication. Lora Kratchounova, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 His presence brought an irreplaceable joy and laughter to the set, and his absence is deeply felt by all of us. Rory Appleton, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Feb. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of irreplaceable was in 1807

Dictionary Entries Near irreplaceable

Cite this Entry

“Irreplaceable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irreplaceable. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

irreplaceable

adjective
ir·​re·​place·​able ˌir-i-ˈplā-sə-bəl How to pronounce irreplaceable (audio)
: not replaceable
a museum full of irreplaceable works of art
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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