incorrigible
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ɪnˈkɔːrɪdʒəbl/
KK: /ɪnˈkɔrɪdʒəbl/
adjective
Definition
Someone or something that cannot be changed, corrected, or managed, often because of bad behavior or habits.
Example
Despite numerous attempts to help him, he remained an incorrigible troublemaker.
Conversation
Did you hear about Tom? He's being his usual incorrigible self again.
Oh no, what did he do this time?
He skipped class and then tried to blame it on the bus being late.
Classic Tom! I guess some people just can't be reformed.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
unmanageable
irreformable
inveterate
Antonyms
manageable
correctable
reformable
noun
Definition
A person who is unable to change their behavior or improve their ways, often despite attempts to do so.
Example
Despite numerous warnings, he remained an incorrigible troublemaker.
Conversation
Have you heard about Tom's latest stunt?
Yeah, he's such an incorrigible prankster!
I wonder if he'll ever learn his lesson.
Root Explanation
Incorrigible → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "corrigere" (meaning to correct). The word describes someone who cannot be corrected or reformed.
Memory Tip
Think of someone who is 'not' ('in-') able to be 'corrected' ('corrigere') — that's why incorrigible means unable to be corrected.
Visually Confused Words
uncorrigible
corrigible
uncorrigibly
corrigibly