Meaning & use
irretrievably
Last updated
Meaning
adverb
In a way that cannot be recovered, repaired, or restored to a previous condition.
Grammar: Modifies a verb or adjective, often in formal or legal contexts.
Patterns
- irretrievably broken down
- irretrievably lost
- irretrievably damaged
The marriage had irretrievably broken down, and divorce was the only option.
The data was irretrievably lost when the hard drive failed.
Years of neglect left the historic building irretrievably damaged.
Common combinations
- irretrievably broken down
- The marriage was irretrievably broken down, as stated in the divorce papers.
- irretrievably lost
- The ancient manuscript was irretrievably lost in the fire.
- irretrievably damaged
- The scandal irretrievably damaged his reputation.
Synonyms and how they differ
- irreparably
- Emphasizes that damage cannot be repaired, often used for physical things or relationships.
- irrecoverably
- Focuses on something being lost forever, especially data or opportunities.
Opposites
Word family
- irretrievable adjective
- Impossible to recover or repair.
- retrieve verb
- To get something back or recover it.
Commonly confused: irretrievably or irrelevantly?
irretrievably vs irrelevantly
Means 'in a way that is not connected or important', not 'cannot be recovered'.
Practice
The company's reputation was _____ damaged by the scandal, and it never recovered.
Choose one answer.
'Irretrievably' means cannot be recovered or repaired, which fits the permanent damage. 'Irrevocably' means cannot be changed or undone, which is close but often refers to decisions or agreements, not physical damage.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “irretrievably”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.