cannot be repaid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be repaid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something, such as a debt or favor, is described as impossible to return or compensate. Example: "The kindness you have shown me cannot be repaid, but I will always be grateful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Kasimatis further stated that international law permits each country to cease the repayment of loans that are odious -- loans so massive that they cannot be repaid, and loans that endanger national security and the well-being of the populace.

HuffPost

"There are some losses that cannot be repaid.

The New York Times

This created claims that investors now suspect cannot be repaid.

The Economist

But the fact is that the government cannot be repaid by a bankrupt firm.

The Economist

I owe these artists (and many others) a debt that cannot be repaid.

The New Yorker

Archives|FARR TRACES DEBTS MAN OWES TO PAST; Teachers of Our Youth and the Pioneers Cannot Be Repaid, He Declares.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

But China's banking system is rumored to be in a similar state, having kept afloat countless inefficient state-owned businesses with loans that cannot possibly be repaid.

Forbes

We all know the spiralling debt cannot and will not be repaid.

Independent

The debt of museums to art and artists down through time cannot be overestimated, can never be repaid; it is an obligation that can only be respected, abided by and learned from.

The New York Times - Arts

The Chappell family home now has no connection to Retail Acquisitions or BHS, so if the £1.5m is ordered to be repaid, the property cannot be claimed instead.

The Guardian - Business

China's banks are, in effect, bust: few of the vast loans they have made can ever be repaid, so they cannot now lend at the rate needed to sustain China's once super-high but illusory growth rates.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be repaid" when discussing debts, losses, or obligations that are realistically impossible to fulfill, ensuring clarity in conveying the severity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be repaid" for abstract concepts like gratitude or respect, as it implies a quantifiable debt rather than an immeasurable sentiment. Opt for phrases like "cannot be adequately expressed" or "can never be fully acknowledged" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be repaid" functions as a passive construction indicating impossibility. Ludwig AI suggests that it is used to express that an obligation, debt, or loss is impossible to return or compensate. It is prevalent across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

13%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be repaid" is a versatile expression used to convey the impossibility of returning or compensating for something, whether it be a debt, a loss, or a favor. Ludwig AI identifies its grammatical correctness and common usage across varied contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in tone, writers should be mindful of using it appropriately, especially when discussing abstract concepts. Be sure to make use of similar terms like "unpayable" or "irrecoverable" for a more nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unpayable

Directly states that a debt or obligation is impossible to pay.

irrecoverable

Emphasizes the impossibility of getting something back.

unredeemable

Highlights the lack of potential for redemption or recovery.

impossible to recoup

Focuses on the inability to regain a loss.

beyond compensation

Indicates that no amount of compensation can make up for the loss or damage.

unable to be returned

States the impossibility of returning something to its original state or owner.

cannot be made good

Highlights the inability to rectify or compensate for a wrong or loss.

beyond redemption

Similar to "unredeemable", emphasizing the lack of potential for improvement or recovery.

impossible to reimburse

Focuses specifically on the inability to repay or refund an amount.

cannot be settled

Indicates that a debt or obligation cannot be resolved or fulfilled.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be repaid" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot be repaid" to describe a debt, a favor, or a loss that is too great to be returned or compensated for. For example, "The damage caused by the disaster "cannot be repaid" with money alone."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be repaid"?

Alternatives include "unpayable", "irrecoverable", or "beyond compensation" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say something "can't be repaid"?

Yes, "can't be repaid" is a contraction of "cannot be repaid" and is perfectly acceptable in informal contexts. However, in formal writing, it's generally preferred to use "cannot be repaid".

What is the difference between "cannot be repaid" and "cannot be compensated"?

"Cannot be repaid" typically refers to a debt or something that has a quantifiable value, while "cannot be compensated" refers to a loss or damage that may not have a specific monetary value but requires some form of restitution. You might say, "The loan "cannot be repaid"," but "The emotional damage "cannot be compensated"."