irreparably

Meaning

1. 1adverbnot comparable

   In a way that is so serious that the damage can never be put right.

   Grammar: Goes before an adjective or past participle, or after a verb: irreparably damaged, harmed irreparably.

   Patterns

   • irreparably damaged
   • irreparably harm something
   • irreparably broken

   The flood irreparably damaged the old manuscripts.

   Their friendship was irreparably harmed by the lie.

   The engine was irreparably broken, so we bought a new one.

Common combinations

irreparably damaged

The painting was irreparably damaged by smoke.

irreparably harm

One careless comment can irreparably harm a reputation.

irreparably broken

The vase fell and was irreparably broken.

irreparably changed

The village was irreparably changed by the new highway.

irreparably scarred

The fire left the forest irreparably scarred.

Synonyms and how they differ

irrevocably

Irrevocably means in a way that cannot be undone or taken back, and fits decisions better than physical damage.

irretrievably

Irretrievably stresses that something is lost beyond recovery, such as data or trust.

permanently

Permanently is plainer and only says the effect lasts, without suggesting that repair was ever possible.

Opposites

Word family

irreparable adjective

impossible to repair or put right

repair verb

to fix something that is broken

reparable adjective

able to be repaired

reparation noun

something done or paid to make up for a wrong

Commonly confused: irreparably or irreversibly?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “irreparably”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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