irretrievable loss

USAGE SUMMARY

"irretrievable loss" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun phrase that refers to a loss that cannot be recovered or regained. It can be used in formal or informal writing. Example: The destruction caused by the fire resulted in an irretrievable loss of precious artworks and historical artifacts.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Or: "Yet really, apart from the sense of irretrievable loss, there was nothing wrong at all".

The New Yorker

McFeely writes, "Instead of innocence regained, there is a sense of its irretrievable loss".

The New Yorker

But Mr Brown believes the defeats reflect an irretrievable loss of trust in the prime minister.

The Guardian

They regard joining the euro as overwhelmingly negative politically, since it involves an irretrievable loss of sovereignty.

The Economist

Anyone can hear its dirgelike sound and Ms. Tharp extends these rhythms into her own dramatic image of irretrievable loss.

The New York Times - Arts

It is therefore with great sadness that we witness the irretrievable loss of parts of the reef, principally due to global warming.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Although the characters in "A Gate at the Stairs" also have an annoying tendency to play coy little word games and make lame little jokes — it's a kind of nervous tic that enables them to detach themselves from threatening situations — Ms. Moore grapples in these pages with the precariousness of life and the irretrievable losses that accumulate over the years.

The New York Times - Books

These studies are of high socio-economic relevance, because land degradation by water and wind erosion is associated with the irretrievable losses of soil, and thus threatens food security.

Radioactivity in the Environment

There is increasing recognition that our best chance of maintaining brain function may be to offer therapies as early as possible, when the minimum of irretrievable neuronal loss has occurred, and when there is potential to prevent or delay the onset of cognitive decline [ 5].

Alzheimer's Research and Therapy

To frame the cynical transfer of irretrievable private losses on to the shoulders of taxpayers as an exercise in "tough love", record austerity was imposed on Greece, whose national income, in turn – from which new and old debts had to be repaid – diminished by more than a quarter.

The Guardian - Opinion

As for Palmyra, are the losses irretrievable or might the city's main buildings be reconstructed at some point, I ask Burns.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "irretrievable loss", ensure the context clearly indicates what is lost and why it cannot be recovered. For example, specify whether it's a loss of trust, data, or a physical object.

Common error

Avoid using "irretrievable loss" in situations where the loss is minor or easily remedied. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "irretrievable loss" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in English. Examples in Ludwig show it describing various scenarios, such as loss of trust, cultural records, or personal relationships.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "irretrievable loss" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that signifies a loss that cannot be recovered or regained, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Appearing frequently in News & Media and Science, it conveys the finality and severity of a situation. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants its weight and that the specific object of the loss is clear. Alternative phrases, such as "irreparable damage" or "irreversible setback", can offer nuanced variations depending on the desired emphasis. Overusing the phrase in minor situations should be avoided to maintain its impact. In essence, "irretrievable loss" is a powerful term that effectively communicates the permanent nature of a loss when used appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

irreparable damage

Emphasizes the damage aspect, suggesting harm that cannot be fixed.

irreversible setback

Focuses on the negative progress aspect, highlighting that progress can't be restored.

permanent forfeiture

Highlights the aspect of something being lost permanently and given up.

unrecoverable deficit

Used typically in the economic/financial contexts, emphasizes the unrecoverable negative balance.

irredeemable failure

Highlights the impossibility of redeeming or correcting the failure.

irremediable misfortune

Underlines the misfortune aspect, indicating it cannot be remedied.

unrectifiable error

Focuses on the mistake aspect, implying it cannot be rectified or corrected.

terminal decline

Highlights the process aspect, implying a decline that leads to an irreversible end.

final deprivation

Emphasizes the act of being deprived and that there is no chance to regain what was lost.

past recall

Emphasizes that something has happened in the past and cannot be changed.

FAQs

How can I use "irretrievable loss" in a sentence?

You can use "irretrievable loss" to describe situations where something is permanently lost and cannot be recovered. For instance: "The fire caused an "irretrievable loss" of historical documents."

What are some alternatives to "irretrievable loss"?

Alternatives include phrases like "irreparable damage", "irreversible setback", or "permanent forfeiture", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "permanent irretrievable loss"?

While "irretrievable" already implies permanence, using "permanent irretrievable loss" can add emphasis, though it might be considered slightly redundant. Consider whether the added emphasis is necessary for your specific context.

What kind of situations typically involve an "irretrievable loss"?

"Irretrievable loss" often applies to situations involving data breaches, destruction of valuable items, loss of life, or "irreversible setbacks" in relationships or trust.