irreparable harm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "irreparable harm" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to describe damage that cannot be undone or repaired, often in discussions about injunctions or legal remedies. Example: "The plaintiff argued that allowing the construction to proceed would result in irreparable harm to the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They believed there would be irreparable harm to fisheries and the magnificent coastal habitat.

Los Angeles Times

But it is irreparable harm?

The New York Times - Sports

"Irreparable harm is imminent," the suit states.

The New York Times

That's irreparable harm to young people.

The Guardian

"We've not done irreparable harm to anything," Haass said.

The New Yorker

"But there's no irreparable harm done to anyone".

The New York Times

Counting every legally cast vote cannot constitute irreparable harm.

The New York Times

Some Latin jazz players have filed a lawsuit claiming the reductions did them irreparable harm.

The New York Times

Macy's needed to demonstrate irreparable harm to get its motions through.

The New York Times

If we do, we risk irreparable harm to our knowledge-based economy.

The New York Times

If the court does not block the law, it will cause irreparable harm.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "irreparable harm" in legal documents, be specific about the nature of the harm and why it cannot be remedied.

Common error

Avoid using "irreparable harm" in situations where the damage is minor or easily fixable. This phrase carries significant weight and should be reserved for truly severe and irreversible consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "irreparable harm" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI indicates its frequent use in describing detrimental outcomes, particularly in legal and journalistic contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "irreparable harm" is a common phrase, as demonstrated by Ludwig AI, used to describe damage that is impossible to rectify. Its grammatical function is primarily as a noun phrase, often used in legal and journalistic contexts to emphasize the severity and permanence of a negative outcome. While the phrase maintains a generally formal register, its high frequency in news sources suggests broad applicability. When using "irreparable harm", specificity in the context of the harm and its irremediable nature is crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

irreversible damage

Focuses on the inability to reverse the damage done, similar to irreparable.

permanent damage

Emphasizes the lasting nature of the harm, highlighting its indefinite impact.

irrevocable damage

Highlights the point of no return, indicating that the harm cannot be taken back.

irremediable damage

Stresses the impossibility of fixing or curing the harm.

irreversible injury

Similar to "irreparable harm" but emphasizes physical or emotional wounds that cannot be healed.

lasting detriment

Focuses on the long-term negative effects or disadvantage caused.

permanent detriment

Emphasizes that the negative effects or disadvantage are indefinite.

fatal blow

Focuses on the severity of the blow, whether literal or figurative, and the irreparable nature of the damage.

incalculable damage

Highlights the impossibility of measuring or quantifying the extent of the damage.

catastrophic damage

Emphasizes the disastrous and far-reaching consequences of the damage.

FAQs

How is "irreparable harm" typically used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "irreparable harm" is often used to describe a type of injury that is significant and cannot be adequately compensated by monetary damages. It's a key factor in determining whether a court should grant injunctive relief, such as a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction.

What are some situations where "irreparable harm" might occur?

"Irreparable harm" can arise in various situations, including environmental damage (e.g., destruction of a unique ecosystem), violation of intellectual property rights, or infringement of fundamental constitutional rights, where the damage caused cannot be easily undone.

What's the difference between "irreparable harm" and "irreversible damage"?

While both phrases indicate that the damage cannot be undone, "irreparable harm" often carries a legal connotation, suggesting that the damage is significant enough to warrant legal intervention. "Irreversible damage" is a more general term that can be applied in various contexts without necessarily implying legal consequences.

When is it appropriate to use "irreparable harm" instead of "significant damage"?

Use "irreparable harm" when the damage is not only significant but also impossible to repair or remedy adequately, especially in a legal or formal context. "Significant damage" is more appropriate when the damage is substantial but potentially fixable or compensable.