irreparable

adjective

ir·​rep·​a·​ra·​ble i-ˈre-p(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce irreparable (audio)
ˌi(r)-
also nonstandard
ˌir-(r)ə-ˈper-ə-bəl How to pronounce irreparable (audio)
Synonyms of irreparable
: not reparable : irremediable
irreparable damage
irreparableness noun
irreparably
i-ˈre-p(ə-)rə-blē How to pronounce irreparable (audio)
ˌi(r)-
also nonstandard ˌir-(r)ə-ˈper-ə-blē
adverb

Synonyms of irreparable

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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
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.
Plus, dust will collect if they’ve been forgotten about, causing irreparable damage. — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2026 The judge found the department overstepped its authority by adding criteria not specified by Congress, agreeing the rule would cause irreparable harm. — Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 For the Red Sox, the deal was all about cutting ties with Devers, getting his contract off the books and jettisoning an irreparable relationship. — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 15 June 2026 And there’s no guarantee that Illinois would grant the license, threatening irreparable harms, including income and reputation loss, Kalshi argued. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for irreparable

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of irreparable was in the 15th century

Rhymes for irreparable

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Browse Nearby Words

irrepairable
irreparable
irreparableness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Irreparable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irreparable. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

irreparable

adjective
ir·​rep·​a·​ra·​ble (ˈ)ir-ˈ(r)ep-(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce irreparable (audio)
: not capable of being repaired or regained
an irreparable loss
irreparably
-blē How to pronounce irreparable (audio)
adverb

Legal Definition

irreparable

adjective
ir·​rep·​a·​ra·​ble i-ˈre-pə-rə-bəl, -prə-bəl How to pronounce irreparable (audio)
: impossible to repair, remedy, or undo
irreparably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on irreparable

Nglish: Translation of irreparable for Spanish Speakers

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