# irreconcilable

/ˌɪˈɹɛkənˌsaɪɫəbəɫ/ (US) · /ɪɹˈɛkənsˌaɪləbəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/irreconcilable
Updated: 2026-10-13

## Definition

describing two ideas, facts, or people that are so different they can never agree or work together. You use this when a situation is impossible to fix because the two sides are completely opposite.

For teachers: representing ideas, beliefs, or situations that are so fundamentally different that they cannot be made compatible. Often describes differences that lead to the permanent end of a relationship or legal agreement.

## Examples

- The two friends had irreconcilable differences about politics.
- After months of failed mediation, the couple decided to divorce due to irreconcilable differences in their long-term goals.
- The historian argued that the two cultures held irreconcilable views on land ownership, making a peaceful resolution to the border dispute virtually impossible.

## Usage notes

- Typically used to modify abstract nouns like 'differences', 'conflicts', or 'positions'.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.