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Irrecoverable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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?

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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?

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'irrecoverable'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'irrecoverable' originated from the Latin word 'irrecuperabilis', which means 'not able to be regained'. It has been used in the English language since the 17th century. The prefix 'ir-' signifies 'not' or 'without', while 'recoverable' relates to the ability to regain something. Over time, 'irrecoverable' has come to be commonly used in financial and emotional contexts to describe losses or damages that cannot be recovered or restored.

See also: recoverable, recovering, recovery, unrecoverable.

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.