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.
Whether a person with a major psychiatric disorder can muster the necessary volition to support such an irreversible decision, and whether doctors can reliably determine that a patient’s condition is irremediable, are major question marks.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 24, 2025
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
"It was not just compounded, but for all practical purposes rendered irremediable, by the erroneous entry on his admission record that he had had it," Ms Skinner said.
From BBC ● Oct. 27, 2023
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
The irremediable fact of her death did nothing to alter our reunion.
From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
