Definition

In a way that cannot be recovered or reclaimed.

Example

The land was irreclaimably damaged by the oil spill.

Conversation

I can't believe how much that old car cost to fix.

Yeah, some things feel irreclaimably broken after a while.

It's frustrating because I thought it was worth repairing.

Sometimes, it's better to just let go and move on.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Irreclaimably → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not), "reclaim" (from Latin "reclamare", meaning to cry out against or to reclaim), and "-ably" (meaning in a manner that can be). The word means in a manner that cannot be reclaimed or recovered.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('in-') being able to 'reclaim' something — that's why 'irreclaimably' means it cannot be recovered.

Visually Confused Words