irreparable
Americanadjective
adjective
Usage
What’s the difference between irreparable and unrepairable? Irreparable and unrepairable both mean just about the same thing: unable to be repaired or fixed. They can be used in overlapping ways, but they are usually used in different contexts and situations. Irreparable is the more commonly used word. It can be applied to objects, such as machines or appliances, that can’t be repaired, but it’s perhaps most commonly used in the context of intangible things like circumstances and relationships. It’s especially used with the word damage, as in I’m afraid I’ve done irreparable damage to my reputation or The iceberg caused irreparable damage to the ship’s hull. On the other hand, unrepairable is typically reserved for physical objects that can’t be fixed, such as cars, tables, or computers, as in I hate that a lot of appliances are manufactured in a way that makes them unrepairable. Still, unrepairable can also be applied to intangible things in the same way that irreparable usually is. Here’s an example of irreparable and unrepairable used correctly in a sentence. Example of irreparable: Sources close to the team say that the relationship between the coaches and the players is irreparable at this point. Example of unrepairable: I’m really hoping my mechanic doesn’t tell me my car is unrepairable—I really don’t want to buy a new one. Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between irreparable and unrepairable.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of irreparable
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English word from Latin word irreparābilis. See ir- 2, reparable
Explanation
If something is broken or destroyed for good — a toy, a relationship, a pair of pants — you can say it is irreparable or unable to be repaired. When you get into a fight with your best friend, it sometimes feels like the damage to the relationship has been irreparable, but given some time, good friendships can come back from even the worst type of damage. Though irreparable looks like it might be pronounced ir-re-PAIR-able, it's usually pronounced ir-REP-ar-able.
Vocabulary lists containing irreparable
Things Fall Apart
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The Book Thief
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"The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak, Part Six
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Irreparable mental health issues that have stemmed from this... we can never compensate for that."
From BBC • Sep. 4, 2025
Irreparable physical damage to residents of airport neighborhoods is well-documented.
From Seattle Times • Dec. 7, 2023
Former Australia goalkeeper Danny Vukovic said on Twitter: “Our game is in tatters … an absolute disgrace what happened tonight. Irreparable damage done. Darkest day for football in Australia.”
From Washington Times • Dec. 17, 2022
Irreparable harm was done, whether she intended it or not.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 2, 2021
She supposed that what they wanted was a society, an "Irreparable," dinner.
From Lippincott's Magazine, Vol. 22, November, 1878 of Popular Literature and Science by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
