adj

irreparable

ih-REHP-ruh-buhl

Irreparable (adj) means So badly damaged or harmed that it cannot be fixed or made right again. Example: “The scandal caused irreparable damage to his reputation.”

adj

So badly damaged or harmed that it cannot be fixed or made right again.

"The scandal caused irreparable damage to his reputation."

"The flood left the building in an irreparable state."

How to use irreparable

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBeyond repair or fixing, often used for damage to relationships, reputations, or property.

Common pairings

irreparable harm irreparable damage

Word forms

more irreparable comparative, most irreparable superlative

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The scandal caused _____ damage to his reputation.

Etymology

From Old French irréparable, from Latin irreparabilis, from ir- ("not") plus reparable ("repairable").

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for irreparable

able fable cable table viable liable stable tenable parable affable amiable notable

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Frequently asked questions

What does “irreparable” mean?

The word “irreparable” means so badly damaged or harmed that it cannot be fixed or made right again. In plain terms, beyond repair or fixing, often used for damage to relationships, reputations, or property.

How do you pronounce “irreparable”?

“Irreparable” is pronounced ih-REHP-ruh-buhl (/ɪˈɹɛp(ə)ɹəbəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “irreparable” in a sentence?

Here is “irreparable” used in a sentence: “The scandal caused irreparable damage to his reputation.”

What part of speech is “irreparable”?

“Irreparable” is an adjective.

Where does the word “irreparable” come from?

The word “irreparable” comes from Latin. From Old French irréparable, from Latin irreparabilis, from ir- ("not") plus reparable ("repairable").