irreconcilable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "irreconcilable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two or more things that cannot be reconciled or brought into agreement, often in the context of conflicts or differences. Example: "Their views on the matter were irreconcilable, leading to a permanent rift in their relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The two accounts are irreconcilable and I have had therefore to examine carefully the evidence of other witnesses.

The Guardian - Music

But this is the essence of a culture war skirmish: the two opposing positions must be irreconcilable, and if one side triumphs, the fight merely moves on to new terrain.

The Guardian - Opinion

Insiders say the wheels first began to come off when the former Arsenal striker and wunderkind Lianne Sanderson retired from international duty at the age of 22, blaming irreconcilable differences with Powell: "As long as Hope Powell is in charge I don't see myself going back and I don't think she would want me there," she said at the time.

The Guardian - Sport

Juncker drafted much of it, brokering deals and bridging what appeared to be irreconcilable differences between Helmut Kohl and François Mitterrand, between the German and French finance and central bank mandarins.

The Guardian

Over recent years, Abbott has taken some irreconcilable positions on the science and policy of climate change.

The Guardian

The AEC commissioner has said: "We're left with a nagging and almost irreconcilable doubt about the outcome of the West Australian Senate election".

The Guardian

Although they disagree with one another about how markets operate, the work for which they are being recognised is not itself irreconcilable.

The Economist

His critics have bruised, not changed, him: the old irreconcilable still wears a political heart on his literary sleeve.Who knows?

The Economist

Irreconcilable differences between industry, government and patient representatives prevented any agreement on bigger issues.

The Economist

The primordial gravitational waves Dr Kovac and his colleagues have found not only confirm inflation, they may also help physicists forge the long-sought link between quantum theory and relativity, two presently irreconcilable ways of explaining the universe.Gravitational waves are a prediction of Einstein's general theory of relativity, which is the modern theory of gravity.

The Economist

The differences may not be irreconcilable: on July 23rd, the government came up with a placatory formula for transferred local government employees; and Unison, a giant public-sector union, approved government plans for staff arrangements in hospitals run under the private-finance initiative.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing differences, use "irreconcilable" to emphasize the impossibility of finding agreement or compromise. It's stronger than simply saying there are "differences".

Common error

Avoid using "irreconcilable" when "different" or "distinct" would suffice. "Irreconcilable" carries a strong connotation of fundamental opposition, not just simple divergence.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "irreconcilable" is as an adjective. Ludwig AI indicates that it is used to describe nouns, highlighting their inability to be brought into agreement or harmony. For example, "irreconcilable differences" or "irreconcilable positions."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "irreconcilable" functions as an adjective, primarily used to describe situations, differences, or positions that cannot be brought into agreement or resolved. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. As exemplified by Ludwig's numerous examples, the word appears frequently in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts, signaling a neutral register. To ensure accurate usage, it's best to reserve "irreconcilable" for situations where differences are fundamental and resolution appears impossible, avoiding its overuse as a simple substitute for "different".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incompatible

This term emphasizes a lack of harmony or fitness between two or more things.

antagonistic

This alternative suggests active opposition or hostility between entities.

mutually exclusive

This term indicates that two things cannot both be true or valid.

uncompromising

This emphasizes a rigid stance where parties are unwilling to yield or find common ground.

unappeasable

This term suggests that something cannot be calmed or satisfied, often in the context of desires or demands.

unresolvable

Focuses on the inability to find a solution or resolution to a conflict or problem.

irreparable

This implies damage or harm that cannot be fixed, extending beyond just disagreements.

at odds

This describes a state of disagreement or conflict, often used in less formal contexts.

conflicting

This indicates a clash or opposition, often between ideas or interests.

discordant

This term is usually employed when something is perceived as a lack of agreement or regularity.

FAQs

How to use "irreconcilable" in a sentence?

Use "irreconcilable" to describe differences or conflicts that cannot be resolved or brought into agreement. For example, "The two parties had "irreconcilable differences" on key issues."

What can I say instead of "irreconcilable"?

You can use alternatives like "incompatible", "antagonistic", or "uncompromising" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "irreconcilable differences" or "unreconcilable differences"?

While both terms are understandable, ""irreconcilable differences"" is the more common and accepted phrase. "Unreconcilable" is a valid word but less frequently used in this context.

What's the difference between "irreconcilable" and "incompatible"?

"Irreconcilable" suggests a conflict or disagreement that cannot be resolved, while "incompatible" indicates a lack of harmony or fitness between two things. "Irreconcilable" often implies active opposition, whereas "incompatible" simply means not suited to each other.