irretrievably damaged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "irretrievably damaged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is beyond repair or cannot be restored to its original condition. Example: "After the flood, the documents were irretrievably damaged and could not be salvaged."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

I would feel my own professional standing with them would have been irretrievably damaged.

The Guardian

The measures at first seemed effective but gave way to a public backlash that irretrievably damaged Mr. Gorbachev's popularity.

The New York Times

Yves Saint Laurent, it is true, was widely thought to have been irretrievably damaged by a sloppy licensing policy.

The Economist

When her adviser gave one of her projects to another student, she felt the relationship was irretrievably damaged.

Nature

Ireland then became entangled in a web of deceit so extraordinary that his professional reputation may have been irretrievably damaged.

The Guardian - Sport

His protestations, however, echo feebly against the wrenchingly sad voices of four young men and women irretrievably damaged by his harsh sentences.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

That could irretrievably damage support for the lottery in its present form.

The Economist

The dams — two on the Baker River and three on the Pascua — would irretrievably damage one of the wildest and most beautiful places on earth.

The New York Times

PAGE A22 PATAGONIA WITHOUT DAMS Two dams planned for the Chilean Patagonia would irretrievably damage one of the wildest and most beautiful places on Earth.

The New York Times

While some legal experts cautioned against drawing conclusions from partial evidence, others said that the DNA evidence described in the transcript might irretrievably damage the prosecution's case.

The New York Times

For investigating the phylogeny of plant pathogens, such large amounts of tissue are usually not available or would irretrievably damage the specimens.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "irretrievably damaged" when you want to emphasize that something is permanently beyond recovery, either physically or metaphorically. For example, "The antique vase was "irretrievably damaged" when it fell from the shelf".

Common error

Avoid using "irretrievably damaged" for minor issues or temporary setbacks. Reserve it for situations where the damage is truly permanent and has significant consequences. For example, it is better to say 'slightly scratched' than 'irretrievably damaged' when referring to a new phone screen protector.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "irretrievably damaged" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that the noun has suffered damage that cannot be undone or reversed. Ludwig examples confirm consistent use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "irretrievably damaged" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that is permanently beyond repair. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "permanently ruined" or "irreparably harmed" exist, "irretrievably damaged" emphasizes the irreversible nature of the damage. Use this phrase when you need to convey the finality of a situation, but avoid overuse in trivial contexts to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

permanently ruined

Focuses on the state of being ruined with no chance of recovery.

irreparably harmed

Emphasizes the harm done, with no possibility of repair.

destroyed beyond recovery

Highlights the complete destruction with no chance of getting it back.

irreversibly affected

Highlights the irreversible nature of the effect, which might not be physical damage.

beyond repair

Directly states the impossibility of fixing or restoring something.

fatally wounded

Implies a severe and ultimately destructive impact, often metaphorical.

unrecoverable loss

Focuses on the loss and the inability to regain what was lost.

hopelessly broken

Implies a state of being broken with a sense of despair about the possibility of repair.

irremediably spoiled

Emphasizes the spoiling or corruption beyond remedy.

terminally impaired

Suggests a condition that will inevitably worsen and lead to failure.

FAQs

How can I use "irretrievably damaged" in a sentence?

You can use "irretrievably damaged" to describe something that cannot be repaired or restored to its original condition. For example: "The documents were "irretrievably damaged" after the fire."

What are some alternatives to "irretrievably damaged"?

Alternatives include "permanently ruined", "irreparably harmed", or "irreversibly affected", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "irretrievably damaged" in formal writing?

Yes, "irretrievably damaged" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing serious or significant damage. However, consider the specific tone and context to ensure it fits appropriately.

What is the difference between "irreparably damaged" and "irretrievably damaged"?

While both phrases convey a sense of permanent damage, "irreparably damaged" focuses more on the impossibility of repair, while "irretrievably damaged" emphasizes the inability to recover or restore something to its previous state.