unrecoverable

adjective

ˌən-ri-ˈkə-və-rə-bəl How to pronounce unrecoverable (audio)
Definition of unrecoverablenext
1
as in hopeless
not capable of being cured or reformed believed that there was no such thing as an unrecoverable criminal

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in irreparable
not capable of being repaired, regained, or undone the flood caused unrecoverable damage to our home

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of unrecoverable It was pronounced unrecoverable. — Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026 This leads to what may be a unrecoverable confession from Emma that adds tension to the lead-up to their nuptials. — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 3 Feb. 2026 If the government stays closed, the blame will fall on those fighting to protect an agency operating at an unrecoverable trust deficit, pushing out transparent propaganda that Republican politicians are struggling to coherently defend. — Logan McMillen, Washington Post, 27 Jan. 2026 Time is scarce and unrecoverable, unlike money. — Brian Page, CNBC, 26 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unrecoverable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unrecoverable
  1. hopeless
  2. irreparable
  3. irrecoverable
  4. irreversible
  5. irretrievable
  6. incurable
Adjective
  • On Monday, a day after the Colts lost to the winless and hopeless Tennessee Titans at home, Indianapolis announced that Ballard has been relieved of his duties as team general manager.
    — Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Colonel Brandon Herbert Nordrum Nordrum plays Colonel Brandon as a sad, hopeless yet smoldering sleeper suitor who can’t take his eyes off of Marianne.
    — Reshma Gopaldas, IndieWire, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of hopeless
Adjective
  • The accusation concerned the family’s claim of future irreparable harm and the need for immediate court intervention.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The other two judges, Kelly and Tymkovich, concluded the NCAA made a sufficient showing under the factors governing stays pending appeal, including on the merits and irreparable harm.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of irreparable
Adjective
  • Apparently, the files are irrecoverable and the production company, Mastiff, must go back to the drawing board and recut the entire season again.
    — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Countless documents were left lying out in the open and quickly became irrecoverable.
    — Amer Matar, The Dial, 26 May 2026
Definition of irrecoverable
Adjective
  • The plaintiffs challenging the project, DC Preservation League and two golfers, claim the work is inflicting irreversible damage.
    — Michael Kunzelman, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Scientists debate the threshold beyond which the dense, humid Amazon rainforest could shift to a drier ecosystem, with irreversible consequences for biodiversity and the climate.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of irreversible
Adjective
  • The manufacturer of NarcX+ states that medications become irretrievable in less than two hours, and consuming any of the NarcX+ liquid will cause vomiting.
    — Sunny Linnebur, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026
  • That probably makes the loss of faith among England fans irretrievable.
    — The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of irretrievable
Adjective
  • After all there’s nothing very funny about an incurable disease that traps you inside your body.
    — Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The issue roiled French politics for years before lawmakers recently approved legislation allowing adults with incurable illnesses to receive lethal medication.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of incurable

Browse Nearby Words

unrecorded
unrecoverable
unredeemable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unrecoverable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unrecoverable. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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