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

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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 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 The contamination can lead to catastrophic engine failure, resulting in a vehicle fire or an unexpected and unrecoverable loss of propulsion. — James Powel, USA Today, 17 Nov. 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
  • Michael Johnston plays Bear, a music store employee who has a hopeless crush on his co-worker Nikki.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • Waymo’s fleet of autonomous taxis has garnered a reputation for causing mayhem on public streets, from trapping drivers in hours of hopeless gridlock to driving into oncoming traffic.
    — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 8 July 2026
Definition of hopeless
Adjective
  • Adult moths lay eggs on fabric, and the larvae voraciously feed on the material, causing irreparable damage to textiles.
    — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2026
  • The lawsuit states that Kuka has singlehandedly caused irreparable harm to Boca View by refusing to abide by Florida law and the association’s own bylaws in order to further her self-serving agenda.
    — Nicole R. Kurtz, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
Definition of irreparable
Adjective
  • Countless documents were left lying out in the open and quickly became irrecoverable.
    — Amer Matar, The Dial, 26 May 2026
  • At the same time, much of the world is facing water bankruptcy, meaning people and industries are using more fresh water than nature can replenish, leading to irrecoverable ecosystem damages.
    — Abraham Nunbogu, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026
Definition of irrecoverable
Adjective
  • The second half follows the next generation of Buendías as progress and modernity reshape the town, sending Macondo on an irreversible path toward decline – and the fulfillment of its long-foretold curse.
    — Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 17 July 2026
  • That pressure can turn years of savings into an irreversible transfer.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of irreversible
Adjective
  • That probably makes the loss of faith among England fans irretrievable.
    — The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 16 July 2026
  • The message had found us, against steep odds, but the meaning was irretrievable.
    — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 27 Apr. 2026
Definition of irretrievable
Adjective
  • Sullenberger is the second major Bay Area celebrity in the past month to reveal he’s been diagnosed with the incurable disorder, which, over time, slows a person’s movements, memory and speech.
    — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 14 July 2026
  • At that time, she was given 12 to 18 months to live and was told that her cancer was incurable.
    — Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026
Definition of incurable

Browse Nearby Words

unrecorded
unrecoverable
unredeemable
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Cite this Entry

“Unrecoverable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unrecoverable. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on unrecoverable

Nglish: Translation of unrecoverable for Spanish Speakers

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