irremediable
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of irremediable
From the Latin word irremediābilis, dating back to 1540–50. See ir- 2, remediable
Explanation
Irremediable describes something that can’t be saved, like an irremediable misunderstanding between friends that means the relationship is over. The adjective irremediable came into English from the Latin word irremediabilis, a combination of in-, meaning “not,” and remediabilis, meaning “curable.” Heed the wisdom of the Latins, and save irremediable to describe those hopeless situations that simply can’t be fixed or put right. For example, if something causes irremediable damage, give up and move on.
Vocabulary lists containing irremediable
As I Lay Dying
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The House of the Spirits
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Sense and Sensibility
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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.
The remaining 4% are patients whose death was not imminent but had a "grievous and irremediable medical condition".
From BBC • May 15, 2026
The first way holds that it is irremediable.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 2, 2026
He can adhere to the letter of the judge’s order and acquiesce in potentially laying the groundwork to dismiss the case at an irremediable point.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2024
We should drop the six-month requirement and keep the requirements that a patient have a grievous and irremediable medical condition, an advanced state of decline and unbearable suffering from the illness.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 13, 2023
Much time had passed when she saw the last yellow butterfly destroyed in the blades of the fan and she admitted as an irremediable truth that Mauricio Babilonia had died.
From "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
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.
