Definition

Something that cannot be recovered or fixed.

Example

The data was lost in an irrecoverable crash of the system.

Conversation

I heard about that company going bankrupt; their losses are irrecoverable.

That's really unfortunate; I can't believe how fast they fell apart.

Yeah, it’s sad to see so many jobs lost over something irrecoverable.

Absolutely, it’s a tough situation for everyone involved.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Irrecoverable → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "recover" (from Latin "recuperare", meaning to regain or recover) and "-able" (meaning capable of). The word "irrecoverable" means not capable of being regained or recovered.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('in-') being able to 'regain' ('recover') something — that's why irrecoverable means something that cannot be regained.

Visually Confused Words