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

• irrecoverable
• irredeemable
• irremediable
• irretrievable
• irreversible
• unrecoverable
• unredeemable

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

Judge John Bates’ temporary restraining order came after Doctors for America sued the government, saying irreparable harm was caused by the loss of dozens of public health websites that the doctors used regularly to treat patients and conduct research. —Jen Christensen, CNN, 14 Feb. 2025

Without open discussions and mutual understanding, misunderstandings can turn into irreparable divides. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 2025

This ugliest of sports divorces appears irreparable now because hurt and pride are involved and because Butler and Riley are alpha males who have dug in deep and won’t blink. —Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025

As crucial days and hours pass, aid groups say Trump’s order has already caused irreparable harm. —Brett Murphy, ProPublica, 31 Jan. 2025

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

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