irreconcilable

American  

[ih-rek-uhn-sahy-luh-buhl, ih-rek-uhn-sahy-] / ɪˈrɛk ənˌsaɪ lə bəl, ɪˌrɛk ənˈsaɪ- /

adjective

1. incapable of being brought into harmony or adjustment; incompatible.

   irreconcilable differences.

2. incapable of being made to acquiesce or compromise; implacably opposed.

   irreconcilable enemies.

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noun

1. a person or thing that is irreconcilable.

2. a person who is opposed to agreement or compromise.

irreconcilable British  

/ ɪˌrɛkənˈsaɪ-, ɪˈrɛkənˌsaɪləbəl /

adjective

1. not able to be reconciled; uncompromisingly conflicting; incompatible

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noun

1. a person or thing that is implacably hostile or uncompromisingly opposed

2. (usually plural) one of various principles, ideas, etc, that are incapable of being brought into agreement

Other Word Forms

• irreconcilability noun
• irreconcilableness noun
• irreconcilably adverb

Etymology

Origin of irreconcilable

First recorded in 1590–1600; ir- ² + reconcilable

Example Sentences

Hyde shows that even on ostensibly irreconcilable issues, political compromise doesn’t always require surrendering one’s principles.

From The Wall Street Journal

The flag itself has been a symbol of starkly irreconcilable ideals.

From Salon

Graham Greene dissects the human heart, laying bare its irreconcilable contradictions.

From The Wall Street Journal

Once the wave of revolution receded, irreconcilable ideological and national differences were exposed.

From The Wall Street Journal

James Murdoch's relationship with his father and older brother Lachlan appears irreconcilable.

From BBC

Related Words

• implacable
• incompatible
• incongruous
• inconsistent
• inexorable
• uncompromising