is irreparable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is irreparable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that cannot be repaired or fixed, often in a serious or permanent context. Example: "The damage to the ancient artifact is irreparable, and it will never be restored to its original condition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it is irreparable harm?

The New York Times - Sports

His loss to the country is irreparable".

The New York Times

"The damage is irreparable," he said.

The New York Times

It broke something inside of me, something that is irreparable.

The New York Times

The loss of our beloved co-parent, Noam, is irreparable.

The New York Times

"The damage is irreparable," said Dwight Vermette, a member of the Republican State Committee.

The New York Times

"Even if it wasn't true, the lack of trust there is irreparable," the mother said.

The New York Times

"This loss is irreparable for the people of Pakistan," the prime minister added.

The Guardian

Finally, the damage that has been caused to the plaintiffs is irreparable by its nature".

The New Yorker

In other words, the damage is irreparable, so they say, if we use these cuts and commercials.

The New Yorker

"What the plaintiffs can point to is that abridgment of First Amendment rights is irreparable harm," Judge McIntyre said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is irreparable" to describe situations where damage or harm cannot be rectified, emphasizing the finality of the condition. For example, "The environmental damage caused by the oil spill is irreparable."

Common error

Avoid using "is irreparable" for minor inconveniences or easily fixable problems. Reserve it for situations where the damage is truly significant and irreversible to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is irreparable" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its state as beyond repair or recovery. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound. The provided examples show it used to describe harm, damage, or loss that cannot be remedied.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is irreparable" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe something that cannot be repaired or remedied. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is commonly found in news and media, scientific articles, and formal business contexts, signifying its widespread applicability. Alternatives like "cannot be fixed" or "is beyond repair" offer similar meanings, though "is irreparable" often emphasizes the finality of the damage. It is crucial to use the phrase judiciously, reserving it for situations where the damage is truly irreversible to maintain its impact. Understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate contexts will enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be fixed

Focuses on the inability to repair something, highlighting the lack of a solution.

is beyond repair

Emphasizes that the damage or condition has exceeded the possibility of restoration.

is irreversible

Highlights the permanent nature of the change or damage, focusing on the impossibility of reversal.

is unfixable

A more informal way to say something cannot be repaired.

is permanently damaged

Directly states that the damage is lasting and cannot be undone.

is irremediable

Emphasizes that no remedy or solution can be applied.

is beyond saving

Emphasizes the impossibility of rescuing or preserving something from its current state.

is incorrigible

Suggests that the situation or behavior is so deeply ingrained that it cannot be corrected.

is past redemption

Implies a loss of hope for recovery or improvement, often used in a moral or ethical context.

is terminally damaged

Compares to a terminal illness, suggesting an inevitable and irreversible decline.

FAQs

How can I use "is irreparable" in a sentence?

You can use "is irreparable" to describe damage, loss, or harm that cannot be repaired or recovered. For example, "The loss of trust "is irreparable" after such a betrayal."

What are some alternatives to "is irreparable"?

Alternatives include "cannot be fixed", "is beyond repair", or "is irreversible", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "is irreparable" in formal writing?

Yes, "is irreparable" is suitable for formal writing when describing a situation where something is permanently damaged or cannot be recovered. Its formality is neutral, fitting both news and scientific contexts.

What kind of damage can be described as "is irreparable"?

Damage that "is irreparable" can range from physical damage to objects or environments, to emotional or relational damage that cannot be healed.