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.
“Citizen Kane” posited that all media moguls are driven by a lust for power that stems from an irreparable brokenness.
From Salon ● Jul. 22, 2026
"There is irreparable damage in the monastery in the southeastern section, but on the other hand the church is standing firm and in good condition," the 42-year-old French-Syrian said.
From Barron's ● Jul. 20, 2026
Across the region, “much disruption stemmed from logistics/shipping fears rather than irreparable physical destruction.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 17, 2026
A drag queen named Pattie Gonia has urged outdoor apparel company Patagonia to drop a lawsuit in which it alleges the performer is causing "irreparable" damage to its brand.
From BBC ● May 28, 2026
To accept it in any form would cause irreparable damage.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
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.
