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.
Filed jointly with the WGA West and East branches, the guild’s suit claims the merger violates antitrust law and would inflict irreparable harm on industry scribes. — Jack Dunn, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026 That fact alone can embolden an unsuspected insider, who may have the ability to cause irreparable harm. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 The wounds pose the risk of irreparable damage, secondary infection, sepsis, and, in extreme cases, death. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 7 Aug. 2026 In law, irreparable harm means an injury that monetary damages cannot fully remedy. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 30 July 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
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Cite this Entry

“Irreparable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irreparable. Accessed 14 Aug. 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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