Irrecoverable: meaning, definitions and examples

💔
Add to dictionary

irrecoverable

 

[ˌɪrɪˈkʌv(ə)rəb(ə)l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

financial

Not able to be recovered, repaired, or restored.

Synonyms

irretrievable, unrecoverable, unrestorable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
irrecoverable

Used when something cannot be regained or restored, often in legal or financial contexts.

  • The investments made in the bankrupt company were deemed irrecoverable.
  • The hard drive crash resulted in irrecoverable loss of data.
irretrievable

Usually used when something cannot be gotten back or recovered, often in emotional or serious life situations.

  • After the divorce, the irretrievable breakdown of their relationship was apparent.
  • The mishandling of the project led to irretrievable loss of trust.
unrecoverable

Typically used in computing or technical contexts, meaning that data or information cannot be restored.

  • The system crash resulted in unrecoverable files.
  • The corrupted backup files are now unrecoverable.
unrestorable

Used when something cannot be restored to its former condition, often relating to physical objects or health.

  • The ancient manuscript is unrestorable due to extensive water damage.
  • After the accident, his mobility was unfortunately unrestorable.

Examples of usage

  • The losses were deemed irrecoverable after the company went bankrupt.
  • The damage to the property was so severe that it was considered irrecoverable.
Context #2 | Adjective

emotional

Not able to be regained or restored, especially in terms of emotions or trust.

Synonyms

irremediable, irreparable, irretrievable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
irrecoverable

This word is used when something cannot be recovered or gotten back, often in financial or environmental contexts.

  • The investments were deemed irrecoverable after the market crash.
  • The irrecoverable loss of biodiversity is a serious issue.
irretrievable

Commonly used when something cannot be retrieved or gotten back, often in terms of time or opportunities.

  • The lost time was irretrievable.
  • The document was accidentally deleted and deemed irretrievable.
irreparable

This word is used when damages or harm cannot be repaired, often in personal or emotional contexts.

  • The trust between them was irreparably broken.
  • The hurricane caused irreparable damage to the homes.
irremediable

Used when a situation or condition cannot be corrected or remedied, often in a medical or social context.

  • The disease had progressed to an irremediable stage.
  • The social harm caused by the injustice was deemed irremediable.

Examples of usage

  • The breach of trust was so severe that it left an irrecoverable scar.
  • The irrecoverable loss of a loved one can leave a lasting impact on one's emotions.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the prefix 'ir-', meaning 'not', and 'recoverable', meaning 'can be gotten back'.
  • It first entered the English language in the late 19th century, showcasing a growing awareness of loss in technology.
  • The term is often used in legal contexts to describe assets that cannot be reclaimed.

Legal Aspects

  • In law, an irrecoverable loss might refer to money or property that cannot be retrieved, impacting litigation and bankruptcy cases.
  • The distinction between recoverable and irrecoverable damages is crucial in personal injury lawsuits.
  • Lawyers often advise clients on the implications of irreversible losses during consultations.

Philosophical Perspective

  • Philosophers have long debated the nature of loss, questioning how individuals cope with things that are irrecoverable.
  • The concept often relates to the phenomenology of memory, where the loss of moments can lead to existential reflections.
  • Many existential theorists argue that recognizing what is irrecoverable is essential to understanding the human condition.

Pop Culture

  • Films often explore themes around irrecoverable moments, such as lost love or time, emphasizing human emotions and regrets.
  • Songs frequently refer to things being irrecoverable, often presenting heartache or nostalgia in their lyrics.
  • Literary works, like 'The Great Gatsby', illustrate characters reflecting on irrecoverable pasts and lost dreams.

Psychology

  • Coping with irrecoverable loss is a significant area of study in psychology, focusing on grief and acceptance.
  • Mental health professionals emphasize the importance of acceptance as a part of moving forward after irreversible situations.
  • Research shows that individuals who acknowledge their losses tend to recover better emotionally than those who try to disregard them.

Translations

Translations of the word "irrecoverable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 irrecuperável

🇮🇳 अपरिवर्तनीय

🇩🇪 unwiederbringlich

🇮🇩 tidak dapat dipulihkan

🇺🇦 непоправний

🇵🇱 nieodwracalny

🇯🇵 回復不能

🇫🇷 irréparable

🇪🇸 irrecuperable

🇹🇷 geri kazanılamaz

🇰🇷 회복 불가능한

🇸🇦 غير قابل للاسترداد

🇨🇿 neobnovitelný

🇸🇰 neobnoviteľný

🇨🇳 不可恢复的

🇸🇮 nepovraten

🇮🇸 óendurheimtanlegur

🇰🇿 қалпына келмейтін

🇬🇪 უკანასკნელი

🇦🇿 geri qaytarılmayan

🇲🇽 irrecuperable

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,908, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.