is irretrievable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is irretrievable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that cannot be recovered or retrieved, often in contexts related to loss or damage. Example: "The data from the corrupted hard drive is irretrievable, and we will need to start from scratch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The past, ultimately, is irretrievable.

The New York Times - Books

The internal conflicts go to Snape, while Bellatrix is irretrievable.

The New Yorker

In his plays evil is inescapable, loss is irretrievable, suffering is inevitable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet he encounters constant reminders that the past, while rich, is irretrievable.

The New York Times

The whole thing is a mess and, at the heart of it, the damage to Allardyce's professional reputation is irretrievable.

The Guardian - Sport

Mrs. Harriman said the exterior is "Irretrievable", the interior is very comfortable Mrs. Dewey did quite a bit of painting and brightening up.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The rest was irretrievable.

The Guardian - Arts

Bygone Berlin was irretrievable.

The New York Times - Arts

But the damage may not be irretrievable.

The Guardian

For decades, the received wisdom has been that the original fourth act was irretrievable, its music lost.

The New York Times - Arts

One crumpled signal dish was judged to be irretrievable; we detached it and let it spin off, down toward the minefield.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is irretrievable" to describe losses or damages that are impossible to recover, emphasizing the finality of the situation. For example, "Once the file is deleted, it is irretrievable."

Common error

Avoid using "is irretrievable" when the situation is difficult but potentially solvable. Opt for terms like "challenging to recover" or "difficult to retrieve" to maintain accuracy and avoid exaggeration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is irretrievable" primarily functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its state as unrecoverable. Ludwig examples show its use in describing lost data, damaged reputations, and historical events, all implying a permanent state of loss.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is irretrievable" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something that cannot be recovered. As Ludwig AI points out, its usage is deemed correct and fit for written English. While relatively uncommon, it appears most frequently in news and media, science, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When writing, be mindful to use it accurately, reserving it for situations where recovery is genuinely impossible to ensure you're not overstating the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is irretrievably lost

Simply restates the original phrase with a slight alteration in word order, for subtle emphasis.

cannot be recovered

Emphasizes the impossibility of getting something back to its original condition.

is beyond recovery

Highlights that the possibility of retrieving or fixing something has passed.

is lost forever

Stresses the permanent nature of the loss.

is unrecoverable

Similar to "cannot be recovered", but may imply a more severe or irreversible state.

is permanently lost

Reinforces that the loss is not temporary and cannot be reversed.

cannot be salvaged

Suggests that no part of something can be saved from its current state.

is irreparably damaged

Focuses on the damage being beyond repair.

is irreversibly gone

Emphasizes the finality of the loss or disappearance.

is beyond redemption

Implies a loss of value, integrity, or possibility of positive change.

FAQs

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

Use "is irretrievable" to describe something that cannot be recovered or retrieved. For example, "The data from the crashed hard drive "is irretrievable"."

What are some alternatives to "is irretrievable"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot be recovered", "is lost forever", or "is unrecoverable" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "is irretrievable" is suitable for formal writing when describing a loss or damage that is impossible to recover.

What is the difference between "is irretrievable" and "is irreparable"?

"Is irretrievable" means something cannot be recovered, while "is irreparable" means something cannot be repaired. The choice depends on whether you're focusing on recovery or repair.