# irreparable

/ˌɪˈɹɛpɝəbəɫ/ (US) · /ɪɹˈɛpəɹəbəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/irreparable
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

describing something that cannot be fixed or repaired. If you make a mistake that is irreparable, it is impossible to change the situation back to how it was before.

For teachers: incapable of being restored to a former condition or state. Often used to describe damage, errors, or relationships that cannot be undone.

## Examples

- The damage to the old bridge is irreparable.
- The company's reputation suffered irreparable harm after the scandal broke in the national news.
- Legal scholars argue that the constitutional crisis caused irreparable harm to the separation of powers, making it impossible to restore the previous balance of authority.

---

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.