irreplaceable

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'irreplaceable' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an object, person, or experience that is so valuable that it cannot be replaced or substituted with anything else. For example, "My Grandmother's homemade apple pie is irreplaceable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is not, however, as irreplaceable as some people appear to believe.

The Guardian - Sport

Among the items he had deposited was an irreplaceable £5,000 IWC GST Aquatimer watch he bought to give to his nine-year-old son on his 18th.

The Guardian

In a statement, the group added: "What has been lost are the irreplaceable collections of reference and lending non-fiction books, covering every conceivable subject, giving that extraordinary breadth and depth of subject coverage that only long established libraries can provide.

The Guardian

Sardet's book, called Plankton, merges science with art and illustrates what he calls "the irreplaceable beauty and diversity of planktonic life forms", but it comes with a warning that the world's oceans are being changed by climate change and acidification.

The Guardian

Agricultural research institutions have been closed or privatised and the agricultural advisory service dismantled, leading to the loss of an irreplaceable knowledge bank and the decline of agriculture.

The Guardian

Ailing he may be, but Mr Arafat has revamped himself as the irreplaceable glue that holds what remains of the Palestinian regime together.Palestinian reformers say he can get away with such obstructiveness because of America's policy towards him.

The Economist

Unlike many of his breed, Mr Welch didn't prove irreplaceable, though.

The Economist

Footballers with the ability to change the course of games singlehandedly tend to be irreplaceable.

The Economist

By these standards, the sheikh's was reckoned to be a relatively pragmatic voice.Israeli leaders, intent on crushing Hamas before Israel's possible withdrawal from Gaza, have suggested that the sheikh, the "mastermind of Palestinian terror", enjoyed an irreplaceable position in the Islamist organisation.

The Economist

Helium, prized for its unique combination of physically desirable qualities, is irreplaceable for many purposes.

The Economist

Only Berlusconi thinks he's irreplaceable".Reportedly, Mr Berlusconi's main reason for respecting his new opponent was that he comes across well on television.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing sentimental or emotional value, use "irreplaceable" to convey the unique and irreplaceable nature of the subject. For instance, "The antique photograph held irreplaceable memories of her childhood."

Common error

Avoid using "irreplaceable" when "valuable" or "important" would suffice. Overusing the term dilutes its impact and reduces the perceived significance of what you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "irreplaceable" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that cannot be replaced. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it qualifies items with unique value or importance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "irreplaceable" functions as an adjective to describe something unique and impossible to substitute. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across varied contexts, especially in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. When writing, use "irreplaceable" to underscore unique value, but avoid overuse in contexts where simpler alternatives like "valuable" or "important" suffice. Considering related terms such as "unsubstitutable" and ""unique"" can offer nuanced expression. The expert rating underscores the phrase's reliability and consistent application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsubstitutable

Focuses on the lack of possible replacements or alternatives.

matchless

Highlights the unparalleled quality, suggesting that nothing can equal it.

one-of-a-kind

Emphasizes uniqueness and the absence of duplicates.

unique

Similar to one-of-a-kind but can also imply rarity.

incomparable

Stresses the inability to compare due to superior qualities.

priceless

Highlights the high value, often in a non-monetary sense, making it difficult to replace.

invaluable

Similar to priceless, indicating immense worth.

non-replicable

Focuses on the impossibility of making an exact copy.

inimitable

Suggests that something is so unique it cannot be imitated or copied.

unmatched

Indicates a lack of equals in terms of quality or value.

FAQs

How can I use "irreplaceable" in a sentence?

"Irreplaceable" describes something so unique or valuable that it cannot be replaced. For example, "The original manuscript is an irreplaceable piece of literary history."

What are some alternatives to the word "irreplaceable"?

You can use alternatives like "unique", "invaluable", or "priceless" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say something is "very irreplaceable"?

While grammatically understandable, using "very irreplaceable" is redundant. The term "irreplaceable" already implies the highest degree of uniqueness and value. Instead, emphasize what makes it "unique".

What's the difference between "irreplaceable" and "unique"?

"Unique" means one-of-a-kind, while "irreplaceable" implies that something is so valuable or special that it cannot be substituted. A painting could be "unique", but a family heirloom is "irreplaceable".