irreparable

adjective

ir·​rep·​a·​ra·​ble i-ˈre-p(ə-)rə-bəl 

ˌi(r)-

also nonstandard

ˌir-(r)ə-ˈper-ə-bəl 

: not reparable : irremediable

irreparable damage

irreparableness noun

irreparably

i-ˈre-p(ə-)rə-blē 

ˌi(r)-

also nonstandard ˌir-(r)ə-ˈper-ə-blē

adverb

Synonyms of irreparable

• irreversible
• irremediable
• irretrievable

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

Biggs sustained serious injuries to his face and head in the fall, including multiple jaw fractures, a cut on his chin that required surgery and irreparable damage to several teeth, according to the lawsuit. —Laura Fay, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026

The decision was a loss for environmental groups that had argued that the facility is causing irreparable harm to the surrounding Everglades wetland habitats. —Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026

This care is especially important for valuable books, as light exposure, improper handling, and environmental conditions can cause irreparable wear. —Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 22 Apr. 2026

The slide, if not reversed, could cause the state economy and its residents irreparable harm for decades to come, according to a new group called Ensuring Colorado’s Innovation Future. —Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2026

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

Rhymes for irreparable

• separable
• inseparable

Kids Definition

irreparable

adjective

ir·​rep·​a·​ra·​ble (ˈ)ir-ˈ(r)ep-(ə-)rə-bəl 

: not capable of being repaired or regained

an irreparable loss

irreparably

-blē 

adverb

Legal Definition

irreparable

adjective

ir·​rep·​a·​ra·​ble i-ˈre-pə-rə-bəl, -prə-bəl 

: impossible to repair, remedy, or undo

irreparably adverb